STATE 


REPORT  ON. 


MANEUVER  DIVISION  I 


CAMP  ROOT,   &   j*   & 
FORT  RILEY,  KANSAS 


September  - 1 902  -  October 


BY 


J.  H.  DOCKWEILER, 

Major  and  Engineer  Officer, 
First  Brigade,  N.  G.  C. 


W.  W.  SHANNON    : 


SACRAMENTO: 

:::     SUPERINTENDENT  OF  STATE  PRINTING 
1903 


W  CQ 


21 


0.-2 

*  5. 

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21 

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/ 

REPORT  ON 


MANEUVER  DIVISION 


CAMP  ROOT,   j»    j*  •  j* 
FORT  RILEY,  KANSAS 


September  - 1  902  -  October 


..BY.. 


J.  H.  DOCKWEILER, 

Major  and  Engineer  Officer, 
First  Brigade,  N.  G.  C. 


SACRAMENTO: 

W.  W.  SHANNON    :::::::     SUPERINTENDENT  OF  STATE  PRINTING 

1903 


REPORT 

ox 


Fort  ffiley, 


BY  J.  H.  DOCKWEILER, 

Major  and  Engineer  Officer,  First  Brigade,  N.  G.  C. 


Los  ANGELES,  CAL,,  January  5, 1903. 
BRIGADIER  GENERAL  GEORGE  STONE, 

Adjutant  General,  State  of  California. 
SIR:  Pursuant  to  the  following  instructions: 

STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA,  ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

SPECIAL  ORDERS,)  SACRAMENTO,  September  22, 1902. 

No.  8.       .    f 

(Extract.) 

The  Secretary  of  War  having  requested  that  an  officer  of  the  National  Guard  of  Cali- 
fornia be  sent  to  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  to  witness  and  take  part  in  the  joint  maneuvers  of 
troops  of  the  Regular  Army  and  National  Guard, commencing  September  29, 1902,  Major 
J.  H.  Dockweiler,  Engineer  Officer,  First  Brigade  Staff,  is  hereby  detailed  for  such  serv- 
i(5e  and  will  proceed  at  once  to  Fort  Riley,  and  upon  arrival  there,  will  report  to  Major 
General  John  C.  Bates,  U.  S.  A.  Upon  the  completion  of  this  duty,  Major  Dockweiler 
will  return  to  his  home,  and  report  in  writing  to  the  Adjutant  General  the  result  of  his 
observations  upon  the  military  exercises  which  he  is  to  witness. 

The  expense  connected  with  this  duty  will  be  paid  from  the  proper  military  fund. 

By  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief. 

GEORGE  STONE, 

Adjutant  General. 
Official:    (Signed:)    N.  S.  BANGHAM, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

I  have  the  honor  to  .submit  the  ensuing  report. 

I  arrived  at  Headquarters  Maneuver  Division,  Fort  Riley,  Kansas, 
on  the  morning  of  September  29,  1902,  and  immediately  reported  to 
Major  General  John  C.  Bates.  I  was  assigned  to  a  tent  among  those 
set  apart  for  visiting  National  Guard  officers.  An  information  bureau 
attached  to  Headquarters,  with  a  bulletin  board  in  front  of  the  tent 
designating  it  as  such,  in  charge  of  three  enlisted  men,  enabled  me  to 
.secure  such  information  as  I  required  upon  .my  arrival.  This  tent  was 
placed  next  to  the  Chief  Quartermaster's  office,  and  was  the  first 
encountered  in  approaching  Headquarters. 

I  was  furnished  with  maps  of  Fort  Riley  Reservation,  with  circular 
No.  2,  containing  "Instructions  for  Framing  Detachment  Orders,"  and 
a  "  Schedule  of  Exercises  for  Maneuver  Division." 

242599 


4  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP   ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

The  troops  participating  in  the  maneuvers  were  assembled  by  the 
following  order: 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY,  ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

GENERAL  ORDERS,)  WASHINGTON,  August  20, 1902. 

No.  96.  f 

With  the  approval  of  the  Acting  Secretary  of  War,  the  following  organizations  will 
be  assembled  in  camp  at  Fort  Klley,  Kansas,  about  September  20,  1902,  to  participate  in 
the  maneuvers  to  be  held  at  that  point  during  a  period  of  ten  days,  beginning  Monday, 
September  29th,  and  continuing  until  Wednesday,  October  8,  1902: 

First  Battalion  of  Engineers ; 

Headquarters,  band,  first  and  second  squadrons,  Fourth  Cavalry ; 

Third  squadron,  Eighth  Cavalry; 

Sixth,  Seventh,  Nineteenth,  Twentieth,  and  Twenty-eighth  Batteries  Field  Artillery; 

Headquarters,  band,  and  twelve  companies  Sixth  United  States  Infantry; 

Headquarters,  band,  and  twelve  companies  Twenty-second  United  States  Infantry  ; 

Headquarters,  band,  and  Eighteenth  United  States  Infantry,  excepting  Company  L ; 

Detachment  Signal  Corps ; 

Detachment  Hospital  Corps. 

Posts  which  will  be  left  without  garrisons  will  each  be  cared  for  by  a  guard  consisting 
of  one  commissioned  officer  and  the  smallest  number  of  men  consistent  with  the  proper 
performance  of  the  duty.  It  is  desirable  that  organizations  participating  in  the 
maneuvers  shall  have  the  maximum  number  of  men  available  present  for  duty. 

All  organizations  of  the  Regular  Army  participating  in  these  maneuvers  will  be  pro- 
vided with  the  regulation  allowance  of  wall  tents  for  officers  and  conical  wall  tents  for 
enlisted  men  at  the  rate  of  — 

For  cavalry,  ten  men  per  tent ; 

For  field  artillery,  twelve  men  per  tent ; 

For  infantry,  twelve  men  per  tent. 

The  Governors  of  Arkansas,  Kansas,  and  Nebraska,  having  signified  their  acceptance 
of  the  invitation  of  the  Secretary  of  War  to  participate  in  these  maneuvers,  arrange- 
ments will  be  made  for  the  following  troops:  Arkansas,  one  battalion  of  infantry; 
Kansas,  two  regiments  of  infantry,  two  batteries  of  field  artillery ;  Nebraska,  two  regi- 
ments of  infantry,  twelve  companies  each. 

The  regular  and  militia  forces  will  be  organized  as  a  division.  Major  General  John  C. 
Bates,  U.  S.  Army,  is  assigned  to  command,  and  will  proceed  to  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  not 
later  than  September  20,  1902,  accompanied  by  his  aids. 

The  following  officers  are  assigned  to  duty,  during  the  encampment,  on  the  staff  of 
Major  General  Bates,  and  will  report  to  him  by  letter  without  delay  and  in  person  at 
Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  not  later  than  September  20,  1902 : 

Major  J.  W.  McClernand,  U.  S.  Cavalry,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  adjutant  general ; 

Lieutenant  Colonel  S.  C.  Mills,  inspector  general ; 

Captain  C.  B.  Baker,  Quartermaster,  chief  quartermaster  ; 

Captain  H.  J.  Gallagher,  Commissary,  chief  commissary  ; 

Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Van  R.  Hoff,  Deputy  Surgeon  General,  chief  surgeon  ; 

Major  G.  P.  Scriven,  Signal  Corps,  chief  signal  officer. 

After  the  completion  of  the  maneuvers,  Major  General  Bates  and  the  other  officers 
named  will  return  to  their  proper  stations. 

The  travel  enjoined  is  necessary  for  the  public  service. 

By  command  of  Lieutenant  General  Miles. 

WM.  H.  CARTER, 

Brigadier  General  U.  S.  Army, 

Acting  Adjutant  General. 

Arkansas  did  not  furnish  its  battalion  of  infantry,  but  a  battalion  of 
infantry  was  provided  by  Colorado,  thus  making  an  aggregate  of  about 
five  thousand  officers  and  men. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP   ROOT,    FORT   RILEY.  5 

CAMP  SITE. 

The  camp  site,  called  Camp  Root,  was  situated  on  Fort  Riley  Military 
Reservation,  and  was  located  on  Pawnee  Flats,  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Kansas  River,  and  practically  extended  from  the  post  hospital  at  Fort 
Riley  to  Sheridan  Bluffs,  a  distance  of  one  and  one  half  miles.  The 
plan  of  the  camp  was  as  follows: 

Headquarters  faced  northeasterly  and  was  located  on  the  sloping  flat 
on  the  right  bank  of  One-Mile  Creek  and  on  the  west  side  of  the  wagon 
road  leading  from  the  Post  at  Fort  Riley  northeasterly  to  Ogden. 

Southeasterly  from  Headquarters  and  across  the  wagon  road  upon  the 
flat  were  camped  the  First  Battalion  of  Engineers,  near  One-Mile  Creek; 
to  the  east  of  them  the  Signal  Corps  detachment;  south  of  the  Signal 
Corps  was  the  general  corral;  and  next  to  the  Post  were  the  Twenty- 
eighth  Artillery  and  Kansas  National  Guard  batteries. 

Near  the  left  bank  of  One-Mile  Creek  and  west  of  the  road  were  the 

fe 

field  hospital  and  ambulance  company,  which  latter  was  next  to  the 
wagon  road.  Going  northerly  along  the  street  dividing  the  regiments, 
the  Sixth  Infantry  was  on  the  west  and  the  Twenty-second  on  the  east; 
then  the  Eighteenth  Infantry  on  the  west  and  the  Colorado  Battalion  of 
National  Guard  on  the  east;  then  the  Second  Kansas,  and  then  the 
First  Kansas  National  Guard,  both  on  the  west;  then  the  Fourth  Cav- 
alry squadron  and  Eighth  Cavalry  squadron,  both  on  the  west. 

The  camp  site  had  a  gentle  slope,  and  permitted  of  excellent  drainage. 

FORT  RILEY  MILITARY  RESERVATION. 

Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  Military  Reservation  comprises  over  twenty 
thousand  acres  of  land,  measuring  eight  miles  east  and  west  at  its 
greatest  length,  and  six  miles  north  and  south  at  its  greatest  width, 
having  the  form  of  a  half  circle  with  a  diameter  of  eight  miles.  Drawing 
said  diameter  from  Junction  City,  Kansas,  northeasterly  through  the 
Post  at  Fort  Riley  (distant  three  miles  from  Junction  City)  to  Ogden, 
Kansas,  ninety  per  cent  of  the  area  would  lie  north  of  said  line. 

Roughly  described,  it  is  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Republican  and 
Smoky  Hill  rivers  (which  join  and  form  the  Kansas  River  one  mile 
west  of  the  Post)  and  the  Kansas  River. 

The  reservation  can  be  divided  into  two  parts,  as  to  terrain:  One,  the 
rolling  hills,  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  feet  above  the 
rivers  and  forming  a  salient  angle  to  the  southeast,  at  the  apex  of  which 
are  located  the  buildings  of  the  Post.  These  hills  are  cut  up  by  numer- 
ous ravines,  the  bottoms  of  which  are  all  thickly  wooded  as  they 
approach  the  rivers.  The  hills  are  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of 
buffalo  grass.  A  great  number  of  flat  limestone  ledges  are  exposed  on 
the  tops  and  sides  of  the  hills. 

The  other,  the  flats  or  lowly  ing  lands,  situated  between  the  rivers  and 
the  hills. 


6  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

One  of  these  flats  is  three  miles  long,  varying  from  one  third  of  a 
mile  to  two  miles  wide,  located  north  of  Junction  City,  and  being  in  the 
southwest  corner  of  the  reservation  south  of  Ogden.. 

A  range  of  hills  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  high,  general  north- 
east and  southwest  strike,  lies  about  two  miles  east  of  the  Post.  The 
intervening  space  between  the  Kansas  River  and  these  hills  is  a  flat 
about  ten  feet  higher  than  the  river,  and  is  open  country  save  for  a 
clump  of  trees  covering  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  a  mile 
northeast  of  the  Post.  To  the  south  of  the  Post  the  flats  are  thickly 
covered  with  trees.  The  remaining  flats  are  open  country. 

The  margins  of  the  rivers  are  very  heavily  wooded ;  I  noted  hickory, 
black  walnut,  red  elm,  and  cottonwood  trees. 

Viewed  from  the  rivers  the  hills  present  themselves  in  the  shape  of 
gentle  bluffs  about  one  hundred  feet  high. 

At  a  point  south  of  the  Post,  the  Kansas  River  flows  along  the  base 
of  the  hills,  and  taking  this  point  as  a  center,  the  hills  lie  fan-shaped 
to  the  north,  having  an  interior  angle  of  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
degrees. 

An  electric  street  railway  runs  from  Junction  City  to  the  Post. 

The  Union  Pacific  Railway  runs  through  the  reservation,  along  the 
left  bank  of  the  Kansas  River.  A  branch  of  said  road,  known  as  the 
Fort  Kearney,  leaves  it  at  Junction  City  and  runs  along  the  right  bank 
of  the  Republican  River.  A  depot  is  located  at  the  Post  and  sidings  at 
the  Pawnee  Flats. 

Good  wagon  roads  lead  from  Junction  City  to  the  reservation.  Three 
main  roads  cross  the  reservation  in  a  general  north  and  south  direction. 
Side  roads  lead  from  them.  Two  wagon  road  bridges  cross  the  Repub- 
lican River. 

The  roads  outside  of  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Post  are  the 
ordinary  dirt  road,  passable  for  all  arms  of  the  service,  with  no  steep 
grades.  In  wet  weather  the  roads  on  the  hills  are  sticky  and  extremely 
slippery,  forming  the  "gumbo"  mud.  In  the  flats,  the  soil  being  some- 
what sandy,  the  rains  improve  the  roads. 

A  map  of  the  Fort  Riley  Military  Reservation,  showing  the  location 
of  Camp  Root,  is  hereto  attached. 

MANEUVERS. 

The  schedule  of  maneuver  exercises  was  arranged  by  the  following 
officers,  detailed  for  that  purpose  in  Special  Orders  No.  163,  issued  from 
Headquarters  Department  of  the  Missouri,  August  29,  1902: 

Colonel  Qamillo  C.  C.  Carr,  Fourth  Cavalry; 

Colonel  George  B.  Rodney,  Artillery  Corps; 

Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  A.; 

Major  E.  J.  McClernand,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  Cavalry; 

Captain  Horace  M.  Reeve,  Seventeenth  Infantry. 

The  following  is  a  copy : 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RTLEY. 


SCHEDULE  OF  EXERCISES  MANEUVER  DIVISION— FORT  RILEY,  KANSAS. 
September  20th— October  8th,  1902. 


REGULAR  TROOPS. 

NATIONAL  GUARD. 

Sept.  20,  Sat,... 

Arriving  and  making  camp. 

21,  Sun... 

22,  Mon.  . 

{Forenoon:  Regimental  Drill,  close  order. 
Afternoon:  Regimental  Drill,    extended 
order. 

23,  Tues.  . 

j  Forenoon:  Brigade  Drill,  close  order. 
(  Afternoon:  Division  Drill,  close  order. 

24,  Wed.  . 

Formation  of  an  outpost  for  an  army  corps, 
with  exercises  in  attack  and  defense  of 
same. 

25,  Thurs. 

Exercise  of  each  regiment  in  the  formation 
and  conduct  of  advance  guards  and  rear 
guards. 

26,  Fri.... 

Exercise  of  each  regiment  a,s  advance  guard 
of  an  imaginary  division,  involving  the 
employment  of  artillery. 

27,  Sat.... 
28,  Sun... 

The  entire  force  on  the  march,  with  suitable 
advance  guard  for  a  division  of  full  war 
strength,    advance    guard    entire,    main 
body  in  part  imaginary. 

29,  Mon.. 
30,  Tues.  . 

Problem  of  contact  of  opposing  forces  of  all 
arms. 

Attack  and  defense  of  a  convoy. 

(Arriving     and      making 
1      camp. 

1,  Wed.. 


2,  Thurs. 


(  Forenoon:  Brigade  Drill,  extended  order,  j  Regimental    and    Brigade 

I      Drill,  close  order. 
(  Afternoon  :  Division  Drill— (entire  command). 

( Forenoon:  Outpost  exercise,  involving  attack  on  outpost  position 

(four  separate  exercises). 


j  Afternoon :  Lecture  to  field  officers  and 
]      captains    by  Col.   Arthur  L.   Wagner, 
Ass't  Adj't  General,  U.  S.  A. 


3,  Fri —  Forenoon: 


Lecture  on  Intrenchments 
to  officers  by  an  officer  of 
the  Corps  of  Engneers, 
U.  S.  Army. 


4,  Sat... 

5,  Sun... 

6,  Mon.. 

7,  Tues.. 

8,  Wed.. 


Forenoon : 


Construction  of  a  modern 
field    bridge  —  8:00-10:00 

A.  M. 

Advance  and  rear  guard  with  simulation  of  attack  (four 
separate  exercises). 

Construction    of    pontoon 
bridge    by    engineers  — 
8:00-10:00  A,  M. 
Advance  guard— (entire  command). 


Attack  and  defense  of  a  position — (entire  command). 
Review  of  the  command,  or  a  tactical  exercise— (entire  command). 
Contact  of  two  opposing  forces— (entire  command). 


The  above  programme  is  liable  to  change  as  necessity  may  require. 

HEADQUARTERS  MANEUVER  DIVISION, 

CAMP  ROOT,  FORT  RILEY  RESERVATION,  September  20,  1902- 
Official: 

V.  L.  WELLS,  1st  Lieut.,  12th  Infantry,  Aid-de-Camp. 


8  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

Owing  to  the  heavy  rainfall  the  entire  schedule  of  exercises  could  not 
be  completed. 

The  following  exercises,  as  per  printed  schedule,  were  carried  out, 
beginning  with  September  29th,  the  date  of  my  arrival,  but  not  always 
upon  the  allotted  dates: 

Sept.  29— Problem  of  contact  of  opposing  forces  of  all  arms. 

Sept.  30 — Attack  and  defense  of  a  convoy. 

Oct.     2— Forenoon:    Outpost  exercise,  involving  attack  on  outpost  position  (four 

separate  exercises). 
Afternoon:  Lecture  to  field  officers  and  captains  by  Colonel  Arthur    L. 

Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  IT.  S.  A. 

Lecture  on  intrenchments,  to  officers,  by  an  officer  of  the  Corps  of  Engi- 
neers, U.  S.  Army. 

Oct.     3 — Construction  of  a  modern  field  bridge. 
Oct.     4 — Construction  of  pontoon  bridge  by  engineers. 
Oct.     6— Attack  and  defense  of  a  position  (entire  command). 
Oct.     8 — Contact  of  two  opposing  forces  (entire  command). 

Circular  No.  2,  for  framing  detachment  orders,  follows: 

HEADQUARTERS  MANEUVER  DIVISION, 

CAMP  ROOT,  FORT  RILEY  RESERVATION,  KANSAS, 

CIRCULAR  j_  September  20,  1902. 

No.  2.     J 

The  following  instructions  compiled  mainly  from  those  formerly  prepared  at  the 
Cavalry  and  Light  Artillery  School,  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  are  published  for  the  informa- 
tion and  guidance  of  this  command. 

By  command  of  MAJOR  GENERAL  BATES  : 

E.  J.  McCLERNAND, 

Major  of  Cavalry, 
Official:  Adjutant  General. 


1st  Lieut.,  12th  Infantry, 

Aid-de-Camp. 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  FRAMING  DETACHMENT  ORDERS. 

1.  Study  the  terrain  upon  the  best  map  attainable.    The  situation  of  the  detachment 
and  that  of  the  enemy. 

2.  In  all  questions  involving  maneuvers  or  marches  calculate  the  time  required  to 
place  the  detachment  in  order  of  march  as  well  as  the  time  required  to  reach  a  given 
objective. 

If  the  occupation  of  a  position  is  contemplated,  the  extent  of  front  and  depth  should 
be  measured. 

3.  Consider  the  probable  movements  of  the  enemy  during  the  time  required  to  reach 
the  objective. 

4.  Determine  the  course  of  action — avoid  the  adoption  of  half  measures.    If  the 
offensive  is  decided  upon,  attack  vigorously  With  the  entire  force.    If  the  detachment  is 
to  retreat,  gain  a  safe  distance  from  the  enemy  before  halting,  unless  good  reasons  exist 
to  act  otherwise.    Carefully  decide  upon  the  plan  of  action  and  carry  it  out  with  decision. 

5.  Study  the  best  distribution  of  the  troops.    Draw  up  a  rough  draft  of  the  duty  and 
position  for  each  fraction,  to  see  that  nothing  is  forgotten. 

6.  In  drawing  up  the  order  follow  accepted  models  until  experience  will  suffice. 
Leave  beaten  paths  only  when  there  is  good  reasons  for  doing  so.    The  order  should  read 
in  a  logical  manner.    Number  each  paragraph  and  observe  that  a  paragraph  should 
include  kindred  subjects.    Revise  the  draft  of  the  order,  leaving  out  all  superfluous 
words,  substituting  briefer  expressions  wherever  possible.    Do  not  give  reasons  for 
orders.    The  order  should  be  absolutely  clear.    Be  sufficiently  explicit  to  avoid  misin- 
terpretations.   Avoid  the  use  of  all  indefinite  expressions,  such  as  "to  the  right,"  "to 
the  left,"  "in  front  of,"  "in  rear  of,"  "beyond  or  below."     Use  rather  the  points  of  the 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,   CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  9 

compass.  Instead  of  saying  "to  the  left  of  Fort  Riley"  say  "  west  of  Fort  Riley."  If 
there  is  occasion  to  say  "by  the  outlet  south  of  the  village  of  X,"  this  should  be  the  only 
outlet  of  the  village  to  the  south — there  should  be  no  other.  Where  there  are  several 
outlets,  say  "by  way  of  the  road  to  Y." 

7.  The  order  should  be  explicit,  otherwise  it  will  not  be  executed  with  energy.    Avoid 
all  weak  expressions  such  as  "  as  much  as  possible,"  "  if  possible  or  practicable,"  "  accord- 
ing to  circumstances.''    An  order  once  given,  its  author  must  assume  all  responsibility. 
The  more  difficult  the  situation  the  clearer  and  more  precise  should  the  directions  be 
Instructions  promulgated  in  an  order  should  not  encroach  on  the  functions  of  subordi- 
nates.   The  order  should  contain  such  instructions  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  execu- 
tion of  the  plan  of  action — the  details  being  left  to  subordinate  commanders. 

The  frequent  modification  of  an  order  tends  to  fatigue  troops,  rob  them  of  confidence 
in  their  commander,  and  breeds  much  indecision  in  subordinates.  Indicate  the  hour 
and  place  with  such  exactness  that  no  misunderstanding  is  possible.  Where  reference 
is  made  to  time  between  noon  and  midnight  use  the  expression  "p.  M."  From  midnight 
to  noon  say  "A.  M.,"  as  "1:15  A.  M." 

8.  The  order  should  be  drawn  up  on  a  sheet  of  paper  ruled  to  include  one  half  or  one 
third  as  a  margin.    The  left  side  should  contain  the  distribution  of  troops  and  order  of 
march,  and  the  right  side  the  order  divided  into  paragraphs. 

The  designation  of  the  order  depends  on  the  character  of  the  duty,  as  "Detachment 
Orders,"  "Advance  Guard  Orders,"  "Advance  Cavalry  Orders,"  "Outpost  Orders,"  etc. 

THE  PARAGRAPHS  INTO  WHICH  THE  ORDER  is  DIVIDED  CONTAIN: 

/.  Any  information  in  regard  to  the  enemy  ivhich  it  is  considered  advisable  to  publish, 
expressed  in  terms  which  are  brief  and  plain  and  giving  a  clear  idea  of  the  situation. 

It  is  only  necessary  to  furnish  as  much  as  may  be  required  to  accomplish  the  task  or 
to  work  for  the  common  objective.  Good  news  will  naturally  be  given  much  promi- 
nence, but  news  which  might  unfavorably  impress  the  troops  will  be  either  passed  over 
in  silence  or  lessened  as  much  as  possible. 

II.  So  much  of  the  general  plan  as  should  be  communicated  to  subordinates,  as   "the 
detachment  ivill  march  to-morrow  on  Manhattan." 

It  is  often  not  expedient  to  state  the  object  of  the  mission,  but  enough  should  be  com- 
municated to  enable  subordinates,  in  case  of  unforeseen  events,  to  take  on  their  own 
initiative  such  measures  as  will  be  consistent  with  the  general  situation.  The  Com- 
manding Officer  would  naturally  take  more  into  his  confidence  his  next  junior,  and 
especially  the  officer  commanding  the  cavalry,  who  would  then  be  able  to  distinguish 
from  the  reports  sent  to  him  the  information  which  will  be  important  for  the  detach- 
ment commander  to  receive. 

III.  Dispositions  to  carry  out  the  plan  as  announced  in  the,  second  paragraph. 

If  the  cavalry  is  to  act  independently,  instructions  should  be  given  for  the  conduct 
of  the  "advance  cavalry"  and  at  what  hour  it  should  leave.  Then  the  hour  of  departure 
for  the  "advance  guard"  and  what  road  should  be  taken.  If  the  cavalry  is  attached  to 
the  advance  guard  it  will  receive  its  orders  from  the  advance  guard  commander.  In- 
structions for  the  march  of  the  "main  body"  and  at  what  distance  it  should  follow  the 
"  advance  guard."  It  may  be  necessary  to  state  exactly  the  hour  of  departure  for  both 
the  "advance  guard"  and  "main  body,"  if  the  troops  composing  each  should  be  sepa- 
rated. Instructions  for  the  "rear  guard,"  if  necessary  to  detail  it,  and  the  distance  at 
which  it  will  follow  the  main  body,  on  commencing  the  march. 

The  instructions  necessary  to  impart  to  the  various  divisions  of  the  troops,  as  indi- 
cated above,  should  generally  be  placed  under  one  paragraph  (III)  with  subdivisions,  as 
a.  b.  c.  The  principal  subjects  should  be  underscored. 

In  orders  for  an  attack,  the  most  important  dispositions  should  be  given  first,  then 
instructions  for  the  reserve  with  the  position  assigned  to  it. 

The  orders  for  outposts  should  indicate  the  line  of  observation  and  routes  and  roads 
to  be  observed  ;  the  instructions  for  reserves— in  case  of  attack  the  line  to  be  held.  This 
may  be  made  the  subject  of  a  separate  paragraph. 

IV.  A  separate  paragraph  directs  the  disposition  of  the  train.    An  officer  and  a  small 
detachment  of  cavalry  should  be  assigned  in  charge. 

V.  The  last  paragraph  should  announce  where  the  Commanding  Officer  is  to  be  found. 


10 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    TROOPS. 

The  margin  on  the  left  should  show  the  parts  of  the  command  and  subdivisions 
selected  for  protection,  information,  etc.,  and  those  composing  the  reserve  or  main  body. 
In  naming  units  from  which  a  portion  is  taken,  the  unit  should  be  named  and  the  word 
"less"  appended  (1st  Squadron  2d  Cavalry,  less  one  troop). 

Usually  a  few  cavalrymen  are  assigned  to  march  at  the  head  of  the  main  body  for  use 
as  orderlies,  when  infantry  constitutes  the  main  force,  and  a  small  detail  with  the 
advance  guard  under  similar  circumstances.  If  there  is  but  one  battery  of  artillery  it 
would-  naturally  remain  with  the  main  body,  following  the  first  battalion,  or  with  a 
portion  of  the  troops  in  its  front  to  insure  its  safety.  An  Engineer  Company  would 
march  with  the  advance  guard.  A  section  of  the  Hospital  Corps  in  rear  of  the  main 
body. 

Opposite  the  signature  on  the  left  half  of  the  page  indicate  in  what  manner  the  order 
is  made  known  to  the  troops,  as  "copy  furnished  regimental,  squadron  and  battery  com" 
manders,"  or  "  dictated  to  troop  commanders." 

Following  are  models  and  examples  of  orders  : 


Detachment  Order : 
Distribution  of  Troops : 

1.  Advance  Guard. 

Name  of  officer  commanding. 
Composition  of: 
Infantry. 
Cavalry. 
Artillery. 
Engineers. 

Detachment  Hospital  Corps 
*(when  required). 

2.  Main  Body. 
Order  of  March.      . 

Cavalry     (detail     to     perform 
mounted  orderly  duty). 

Infantry. 

Artillery. 

Infantry. 

Engineers. 

Detachment  Hospital  Corps 
*(  Ambulance). 

3.  Flank  Guard  (right  or  left). 
Name  of  officer  to  command. 


How  transmitted — verbally,  in 
writing,  or  by  dictation.  If  in 
writing  the  order  is  signed  by 
the  Adjutant  by  order  of  the 
Commanding  Officer,  or  by  com- 
mand of,  if  given  by  a  general 
officer. 


MODEL. 
ORDER  FOR  A  MOVEMENT  TO  THE  FRONT. 


Place — Date — Hour. 


I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy — information  con- 
cerning the  positions  of  friendly  troops. 

II.  Object  of  movement  of  detachment — stated  in 
general  terms. 

III.  A  Instructions  for  the  advance  guard  (hour  and 
place  of  departure— extent  of  service  of  security  and 
information— special  mission). 

B  Instructions  for  main  body  (distance  from 
advance  guard,  or  hour  and  initial  point  of  depart- 
ure). 

c  Instructions  for  flank  guards  (if  required — 
same  as  to  advance  guard — attention  particularly 
called  to  the  service  of  information.  When  necessary 
indicate  at  what  point  or  when  the  flank  is  to  detach 
itself). 

D  Instructions  for  the  outpost  (if  there  be  one 
thrown  out);  indicate  when  it  will  be  drawn  in  and 
where  it  will  join  the  column  the  next  day. 

IV.  Instructions  for  the  train  (size  of  escort — dis- 
tance in  rear  of  the  column — other  special  instruc- 
tions). 

V.  Place  of  Commanding  Officer  in  the  column  (or 
where  reports  will  be  received). 


By  order  of 


1st  Lieut.,  1st  Cavalry, 

Adjutant. 


N.  B.— If,  instead  of  being  attached  to  the  advance  guard,  the  cavalry  is  used  inde- 
pendently as  Advanced  Cavalry,  so  mention  in  Par.  1  of  the  distribution  of  troops  as 
Advance'Cavalry,  etc.  Par.  Ill  A  of  the  body  of  the  order  will  then  read : 

I  III.  A  Instructions  for  the  advance  cavalry  (hour 
and  place  of  departure,  direction  of  march,  service  of 
security  and  information,  special  mission,  if  any). 

In  this  case  a  sufficient  force  of  cavalry  should  be  attached  to  the  advance  guard  to 
assist  in  securing  its  immediate  safety.  Should  there  be  no  outpost  included  in  the 
conditions  of  the  problem,  the  paragraph  referring  thereto  will  be  omitted. 

*  \Vhen  accompanying  the  column,  a  detachment  of  the  signal  corps,  ambulances,  tool  wagons, 
ammunition  wagous,  etc.,  will  be  included. 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 


11 


EXAMPLE. 


ORDER  FOR  A  MOVEMENT  TO  THE  FRONT. 


Detachment  Orders  No.  1. 
Distribution  of  Troops : 

1.  Advance  Cavalry.    Maj.  R. 

1st  Squadron  2d  Cavalry  (less 
1  platoon). 

2.  Advance  Guard.    Maj.  C. 

1  platoon  1st  Squadron  2d  Cav- 
alry. 

4  companies  1st  Infantry. 
1  company  Engineers. 

3.  Main  Body.     Order  of  March. 

1  N.  C.  O.  and  6  men  1st  Squad- 
ron 2d  Cavalry. 
4  companies  1st  Infantry. 
Light  Battery  F,  4th  Artillery. 
2d  Infantry. 
Ambulance  and  Hospital  Corps. 


Dictated  to  officers  in  charge. 


Fort  Riley,  Kans.,  May  29,  '97—8  p.  M. 

I.  The  enemy 's  infantry    and  artillery  camped  at 
Garrison ;  his  cavalry  patrols  were  seen  at  Keats. 

II.  The  detachment  will  march  to-morrow  on  Stock- 
dale. 

III.  A  The  advance  cavalry  will  move  to-morrow  at 
6  A.  M.  and  proceed  to  Stockdale.    It  will  reconnoiter 
towards  Manhattan,  and  will  observe  the  roads  from 
Riley  Center. 

B  The  advance  guard  will  leave  at  6:30  A.  M.  It 
will  take  the  road  Fort  Riley,  Ogden,  Keats  P.  O.  and 
Stockdale. 

o  The  main  body  will  follow  the  advance  guard 
at  1,000  yards. 

IV.  The  train,  under  charge  of  an  officer  and  8  men 
of  the  let  Squadron,  will  proceed  by  Fort  Riley,  Rat- 
liff  Ranch  and  Keats  road,  to  Keats,  and  there  await 
orders. 


V.     The  Commanding  Officer  will  be  at  the  head  of 
the  main  body. 

A., 
Colonel  Commanding. 


MODEL. 


ADVANCE  GUARD  ORDER. 


Advance  Guard  Order: 
Distribution  of  Troops. 

1.  Advance  Cavalry. 
Commanding  Officer. 
Cavalry. 

2.  Van  Guard. 
Commanding  Officer. 
Infantry. 

Cavalry. 
Engineers. 

3.  Reserve  (order  of  march). 
Cavalry. 

Infantry. 

Artillery. 

Infantry. 

Section  of  Hospital  Corps 
(rarely  attached  to  advance  guard 
of  a  small  detachment). 


Place— Date— Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy — information  con- 
cerning friendly  troops. 

II.  Duties  of  the  advance  guard. 

III.  A  Instructions  for  a  7   ince  cavalry   (hour  and 
place  of  departure,  route,  aervice  of   information, 
special  mission  or  duty). 

B  Instructions  for  the  van  guard  (as  in  Par.  III), 
c  Instructions  for  the  reserve  (distance  from  van 
guard  or  else  place  and  hour  of  departure). 

IV.  Instructions  for  outposts  (if  necessary). 

V.  Instructions  for  regimental  trains  (exceptional 
cases). 

VI.  Where  Commanding  Officer  will  march. 


Manner  in  which  order  is  commu- 
nicated. 


Signature  of  Commanding  Officer 
or  Adjutant. 


N.  B.— If  cavalry  is  used  as  a  portion  of  the  van  guard  and  not  detached  in  advance, 
the  order  would  be  framed  to  omit  instructions  for  advance  cavalry,  and  the  distribution 
of  troops  would  show  the  cavalry  under  the  head  of  "the  van  guard." 


12 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT   RILEY. 


EXAMPLE. 


ADVANCE  GUARD  ORDER. 


Advance  Guard  Orders  No.  1: 
Distribution  of  Troops. 

1.  Advance  Guard  Cavalry. 

Maj.B. 

1st  Squadron  (less  1  platoon) 
1st  Cavalry. 

2.  Van  Guard.    Capt.  W. 

1  platoon  1st  Squadron  1st  Cav- 
alry. 

1st  Battalion  2d  Infantry. 
1  company  Engineers. 

3.  Reserve  (order  of  march). 

1  N.  C.  O.  and  6  men  1st  Squad- 
ron 1st  Cavalry. 

2d  Battalion  2d  Infantry. 

Light  Battery  F,  5th  Artillery. 

3d  Battalion  2d  Infantry. 

3d  Infantry. 

14  company  Hospital  Corps, 
with  ambulances. 

Communicated  verbally  to  com- 
manding officers  of  subdivi- 
sions and  cavalry  officers. 


Fort  Riley,  Kans.,  May  31,  '97—7  P.  M. 

I.  A  Division  of  the  enemy  is  reported  at  Topeka;  a 
detachment  is  at  St.  Marys,  and  cavalry  has  appeared 
at  Manhattan. 

II.  The  advance  guard  will  march  to-morrow  to 
Manhattan. 

III.  A  The  advance  guard  cavalry  will  proceed  at 
5:30  A.M.  via  Ogden-Eu'reka  Lake.    It  will  reconnoiter 
towards  Keats  and  Stockdale  and  cross  the  Big  Blue 
at  Manhattan,  sending  patrols  on  the  roads  beyond. 

B  The  van  guard  will  leave  at  6  A.  M.  and  follow 
the  same  route. 

c  The  reserve  will  follow  at  a  distance  of  1,500 
yards. 

IV.  The  Commanding  Officer  will  be  with  the  van 
guard. 


A., 
Colonel  Commanding. 


MODEL. 


Detachment  Orders  No.  — . 
Distribution  of  Troops : 

1.  Advance  Guard. 
Commander. 
Infantry. 
Engineers. 


2.  Main     Body     (and    order    of 

march). 
Ambulance. 
Engineers. 
Infantry. 
Artillery. 
Cavalry. 

3.  Rear  Guard. 
Commander. 
Infantry. 

Cavalry  (much  as  possible). 
Artillery  (always  if  it  be  possi- 
ble). 

4.  Right  or  Left  Flank  Guard. 
Commander  (as  for  rear  guard). 

Manner  of  communicating  order 
to  troops. 


ORDER  FOR  A  RETREAT. 

Place— Date— Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy  and  our  own  troops. 

II.  Mission  of  the  detachment  (intention  of  its  com- 
manding officer). 

III.  A  Instructions  for  advance  guard  (place  and 
hour  of  departure,  route,  special  duties ;  as  for  exam- 


ple, preparing  for  destructions  on  the  route). 

B  Instructions  for  rear  guard  (distance,  place 
and  hour  of  departure;  exploration  principally  on 
lateral  roads ;  it  is  frequently  said  "preserve  contact 
with  the  enemy  by  means  of  patrols";  special  mis- 
sions). 

c  Instructions  for  flank  guards  (as  in  Par.  Ill  B). 

IV.  Instructions  for  regimental  train,  if  necessary 
(generally  sent  at  a  distance;  place  and  hour  of  de- 
parture, route,  escort). 

V.  Instruction  for  outposts,  if   necessary;    when 
withdrawn. 

VI.  Place  of  Commanding  Officer  at  beginning  of 


movement. 


Signature. 


p  B.— Cavalry  is,  as  a  rule,  not  employed  independently  in  a  retreat. 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 


13 


MODEL. 


ORDER  FOR  OUTPOSTS  FROM  AN  ADVANCE  GUARD. 


Advance  Guard  Order  No.  — . 
No  distribution  of  troops. 


Place— Date— Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy  and  of  our  own 
troops  (position  of  the  main  body  of  the  column  and 
main  body  of  the  advance  guard). 


II.    Detailing  commanding 
troops  for  same. 


ser   of  outposts  and 


Manner  of  communicating  order. 


III.  Special  instructions  (line  to  be  occupied  ap- 
proximately indicated). 

(It  is  extremely  rare  that  the  outposts  of  detach- 
ments include  several  sections.)  What  is  to  be  done 
in  case  enemy  attacks.  What  inhabited  places  are 
to  be  particularly  held.  Point  which  will  require 
special  watching. 

IV.  Instructions  for  those  of  the  advance  guard  not 
detailed  for  outpost  duty.    Indicate  measures  to  be 
taken  by  main  body  o'f  advance  guard  in  case  of 
attack. 

V.  In  certain  cases,  particular  instructions  for  regi- 
mental train  (to  rejoin  at  the  outpost  or  not). 

VI.  Place  of  advance  guard  commander. 

Signature. 


MODEL. 
ORDER  FOR  AN  OUTPOST  OF  ALL  ARMS. 


Outpost  Orders  No.  1. 


Place— Date— Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy  and  of  our  own  troops 
(position  of  the  main  body  of  the  detachment  and 
that  of  the  main  body  of  the  advance  guard ;  position 
of  neighboring  outposts,  if  there  are  any). 

II.  What  troops  are  to  be  employed  and  general 
indication  of  the  line  to  be  occupied. 

III.  A  Instructions  for  the  cavalry  of  the  outposts 
(seeking  contact  with  the  enemy;   general  line  of 
security,  routes  which  must  be  particularly  watched, 
places  to  be  reconnoitered  or  communicated  with; 
orderlies  or  small  fractions  of  cavalry  to  be  attached 
to  infantry). 

B  Instructions  for  companies  or  supports  (com- 
mencing with  the  right  boundaries  of  sections  of 
outposts,  approximate  positions). 

c  Instructions  for  the  reserve  (composition,  posi- 
tion, measures  for  immediate  security  to  be  taken,  if 
there  is  occasion). 

IV.  What  is  to  be  done  in  case  of  attack  (line  of 
resistance  to  be  held). 

V.  Place  of  outpost  commander  (generally  with  the 
reserve). 


Manner  of  communicating  order. 


Signature. 


14 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT   RILEY. 


Outpost  Orders  No.  2. 


Manner  of  communicating  order. 


Place— Date— Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy  (if  further  informa- 
tion than  that  contained  in  first  order  is  known). 

II.  A  Outpost  cavalry  (latitude  allowed  it  to  be  pre- 
pared in  case  of  emergency;  hour  at  which  it  will  be 
drawn  in  at  night  and  position  it  will  occupy;  duty 
during  the  night ;  hour  at  which  day  position  will  be 
resumed  next  day;   patroling  resumed  at  daybreak). 

B  Supports  (latitude  allowed  in  case  of  emer- 
gency; hour  at  which  night  positions  will  be  occu- 
pied ;  routes  of  patrols  for  the  night,  if  there  be  any; 
communication  to  be  established  with  neighboring 
troops ;  re-occupation  of  day  positions  next  day). 

c  Reserve  (latitude  allowed ;  measures  to  be 
taken  for  night,  if  necessary;  hour  at  which  it  will  be 
under  arms  next  day). 

III.  Roads    upon   which    examining   posts    will   be 
located. 

IV.  Defensive  roads  (if  any),  barricades  on  roads,  etc. 

Signature. 


MODEL. 


ORDER  FOR  AN  OFFENSIVE  COMBAT. 


Detachment  Orders  No.  — . 
No  distribution  of  troops. 


Place — Date — Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy  (in  detail)  and  what 
is  known  of  our  troops. 

II.  Resolution  of  Commanding  Officer  of  detachment 
(generally  indicate  briefly  which  wing  of  the  enemy 
is  to  be  enveloped).    Instructions  for  advance  guard 
which  now  ceases  to  provide  for  security. 

III.  Instructions  for  the  artillery  (first  position  first 
objective,  generally  enemy's  artillery). 

IV.  Instructions  for  infantry  (indicate  in  a  general 
way  means  to  be  employed  for  the  main  attack ;  state 
precisely  the  direction  of  the  attack  and  its  objective ; 
if  there  be  several  battalions,  designate  the  officer 
charged  with  the  execution  of  the  main  attack). 

V.  Instructions  for  the  reserve  (designate  troops  to 
compose  it  and  its  position). 

VI.  Instructions  for  cavalry  (the  greater  part  to 
cover  one  of  the  wings ;  patrols  to  cover  the  other). 

VII.  Instructions  for  ammunition  wagons  (for  locat- 
ing field  hospital  in  such  cases  where  provision  in 
regard  to  them  can  be  made). 

VIII.  Instructions  for  trains. 

IX.  Where  Commanding  Officer  is  to  be  found  (gen- 
erally close  to  first  artillery  position). 


How  order  is  communicated. 


Signature. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 


15 


MODEL. 


ORDER  FOR  THE  OCCUPATION  OF  A  DEFENSIVE  POSITION. 


Detachment  Orders  No.  — . 
No  distribution  of  troops. 


Manner  of  communicating  order. 


Place— Date— Hour. 

I.  What  is  known  of  the  enemy  and  our  own  troops. 

II.  Intention  or  plan  of  detachment  commander; 
indication  of  the  position  to  be  defended.    Under 
certain  circumstances  dissolution  of    the    order  of 
march. 

III.  Instructions  for  the  artillery  (position  ;  object- 
ive ;  whether  or  not  gun  pits  and  epaulments  will  be 
constructed). 

IV.  Instructions  for  infantry  of  the  1st  line  (distri- 
bution for  sections  of  front ;  indicate  defensive  works, 
if  any,  stating  of  what  they  shall  consist). 

V.  Instructions  for  the  principal  or  main  reserve 
(indicate  what  troops  are  to  compose  it;  position). 

VI.  Instructions  for  engineers  (as  to  defensive  works, 
bridgesvto  be  constructed  in  rear,  etc.). 

VII.  Instructions  for  cavalry  (as  covering  one  wing 
with  large  portion,  other  wing  with  patrols). 

VIII.  Instructions  for  ammunition  wagons  and  posi- 
tion of  field  hospital. 

IX.  Instructions  for  trains. 

X.  Where  Commanding  Officer  is  to  be  found. 

Signature. 


Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  A.,  was 
selected  as  chief  umpire. 

Senior  umpires,  aided  by  numerous  assistant  ones,  were  selected  for 
the  "  Blues  "  and  the  "  Browns.1' 

During  the  action,  an  umpire  was  present  with  each  body  of  troops. 
At  the  end  of  the  action  the  umpires  for  each  side,  through  their  senior 
umpire,  made  a  report,  which  was  handed  to  Colonel  Wagner,  chief 
umpire,  who  made  his  report  upon  the  entire  problem,  and  which  was 
read  to  all  the  officers  on  the  evening  of  the  day  following  the  action. 

The  reports  of  the  commanding  officers  of  the  opposing  forces  were 
likewise  read. 

I  inclose  the  reports  of  Colonel  Wagner  as  chief  umpire. 

I  am  hopeful  that  Colonel  Wagner's  lecture  on  strategy  will  be  pub- 
lished in  full,  as  any  attempt  to  give  a  synopsis  of  it  would  be  entirely 
inadequate. 

During  the  field  maneuvers  I  was  with  the  National  Guard  officers, 
in  charge  of  Captain  William  M.  Wright,  Second  Infantry,  A.  D.  C., 
who  explained  the  problem  of  the  day,  disposition  of  the  forces,  the 
terrain,  etc. 


16  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

FIELD  HOSPITAL. 

The  model  field  hospital  was  installed  for  a  brigade,  and  was  placed 
in  three  regimental  sections. 

The  total  strength  of  the  field  hospital  consisted  of  three  medical 
officers,  six  noncommissioned  officers,  and  forty-eight  privates. 

Three  hospital  tents,  fourteen  by  fourteen  feet,  were  placed  end  to  end 
upon  board  floors,  and  eighteen  cots  were  placed  therein,  twelve  being 
crosswise  and  six  lengthwise.  To  the  rear,  at  a  distance  of  about  twenty 
feet,  three  more  tents  were  similarly  placed  and  arranged  with  floors 
and  cots.  Each  regimental  section  thus  had  six  tents,  divided  into 
two  wards  of  three  tents  each.  Each  section  had  thirty-six  cots,  or  one 
hundred  and  eight  cots  for  the  brigade. 

The  regimental  sections  were  placed  side  by  side,  with  an  interval  of 
about  ten  yards.  At  the  head  of  each  section  and  distant  about  ten 
yards  from  the  ward  was  a  tent.  These  tents  served  the  following  pur- 
poses: 

One,  called  the  dispensary  tent,  contained  the  regimental  medical 
chest,  the  regimental  surgical  chest,  detachment  chest  for  detached  use 
in  the  field,  sterilizer  chest,  and  two  cases  of  extra  dressings.  This  tent 
had  the  acetylene  gas  outfit,  the  whole  of  which  was  packed  in  one  case 
about  twenty-four  inches  by  eighteen  inches  by  twenty-four  inches, 
which  contained  forty  pounds  of  carbide,  enough  to  run  ten  lights  of 
twenty-five  candlepower  for  eight  days  of  five  hours  each.  The  gas 
was  led  from  a  reservoir  in  this  chest  to  the  wards  by  means  of  rubber 
tubing  suspended  from  the  tent  poles.  The  tent  was  also  used  as  an 
operating  room  in  an  emergency  case,  having  the  necessary  furniture 
and  appliances. 

Another  one  of  these  tents  was  used  as  an  administration  tent,  and 
contained  a  field  desk,  etc.,  in  which  the  following  segregation  was 
employed  as  to  accounts:  (1)  Office  records;  (2)  Dispensary  and  oper- 
ating tent;  (3)  Stores  and  reserve  supplies;  (4)  Wards;  (5)  Kitchen 
and  mess;  (6)  Animals  and  transportation;  (7)  Quarters  for  noncom- 
missioned officers  and  men.  The  third  tent  was  used  for  stores  and 
reserve  supplies,  and  had  drugs  for  a  supply  of  three  months,  boxed  in 
units  of  one  third  of  total  supply,  so  that  one  month's  supply  could  be 
set  aside  if  required.  The  reserve  chests  had  contents  marked  on  the 
outside  on  the  lid  and  on  the  front  side,  and  alphabetically  arranged. 
Two  rubber  folding  bathtubs  were  boxed  in  one  chest,  there  being  two 
chests  for  the  use  of  the  brigade.  All  furniture  and  bedding  were  carried 
in  what  are  called  tent  units.  One  tent  unit  consists  of  two  cases — one 
for  folding  field  furniture  and  one  for  blankets,  bedding,  etc.,  six  cots, 
one  table,  one  chair,  twelve  blankets,  twelve  sheets,  six  pillow  sacks,  six 
bed  sacks  (to  be  filled  with  straw,  if  necessary),  six  rubber  blankets,  six 


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MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  17 

suits  of  underwear,  six  pajamas,  and  six  towels.  Reserve  of  bedding  is 
carried  in  reserve  stores.  One  commode  chest  for  each  three  tent  units. 
All  cots  had  mosquito  bar  attached  to  them,  and  which  formed  a  part 
of  the  cot.  In  other  words,  an  end  section  of  the  cot  represented  two 
letter  X's  placed  on  top  of  each  other,  the  smaller  one  being  on  top,  and 
supporting  the  mosquito  netting,  and  the  bottom  one  being  the  support 
of  the  cot. 

The  tents  and  wards  were  illuminated  by  means  of  acetylene  gas  and 
were  heated  with  Sibly  stoves. 

The  mess  tent  was  simply  a  fly,  conveniently  stretched  over  poles, 
and  contained  one  mess  chest,  which  has  all  tableware  for  one  hundred 
patients;  one  Buzzacott  field  range  with  a  capacity  for  one  hundred  and 
fifty  patients,  and  one  food  chest  containing  articles  of  light  diet. 

I  was  informed  that  this  hospital,  if  used  as  a  field  hospital  alone,  is 
of  sufficient  capacity  for  a  command  of  six  thousand  men. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  Captain  Frederick  P.  Reynolds,  commanding, 
and  First  Lieutenants  C.  E.  Marrow  and  Thomas  Devereux,  Assistant 
Surgeons,  for  many  courtesies  extended. 

AMBULANCE  COMPANY. 

This  is  a  new  organization,  which  does  the  first  aid  work  for  the 
brigade  or  whatever  organization  to  which  it  is  attached,  and  is  the 
medium  through  which  the  wounded  are  conveyed  from  the  regimental 
surgeons  on  the  battlefield  to  the  field  hospital. 

The  ambulance  company  is  provided  with  surgeons,  litters,  litter- 
bearers,  ambulances,  etc. 

The  company  is  organized  as  follows:  One  captain  and  two  first 
lieutenants,  all  surgeons;  one  quartermaster,  who  is  a  line  officer  and 
who  also  acts  as  commissary  and  ordnance  officer;  fifteen  noncommis- 
sioned officers,  classed  as  follows:  ten  acting  hospital  stewards  and  five 
"field  stewards";  sixty-five  privates. 

Officers,  noncommissioned  officers,  and  orderlies  are  mounted. 

Each  medical  officer  is  accompanied  by  an  orderly,  who  carries  an 
orderly  pouch.  This  is  a  canvas-lined,  waterproof  pouch,  containing 
first  aid  packets,  diagnosis  tags,  pocket  case  of  instruments,  bandages, 
etc. — altogether  eighteen  articles. 

The  equipment  consists  of  nine  ambulances,  two  "travoir,"  and  four 
escort  wagons,  one  of  which  is  a  medical  supply  wagon. 

The  tentage  consists  of  one  hospital  tent,  six  conical  wall  tents,  eight 
wall  tents  nine  feet  square,  and  four  wall  tents  for  officers. 

In  addition  to  the  medical  and  surgical  equipment,  the  company 
carries  a  complete  saddler's,  smithy,  and  wagonmaker's  outfit. 

The  company  can  be  subdivided  into  three  sections,  each  to  act  inde- 
pendently, in  which  case  the  captain  commands  the  second  section,  the 


18  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

senior  lieutenant  the  first  section,  and  the  junior  lieutenant  the  third 
section. 

One  section  consists  of  one  medical  officer,  three  noncommissioned 
officers,  and  eight  privates  (each  carrying  a  corps  pouch),  and  one  cook, 
which  gives  two  litter  squads  of  four  men  each  in  charge  of  a  non- 
commissioned officer.  It  has  three  ambulances  and  one  escort  wagon 
assigned  to  it. 

A  "  corps  pouch "  contains  first  aid  packets,  a  case  with  forceps  and 
pins,  spirits  of  ammonia,  etc. — about  eight  articles  altogether. 

The  line  officer  in  action  is  in  charge  of  transportation. 

The  company  is  "self-contained,"  and  can  move  in  forty-five  minutes 
as  a  maximum  from  the  sound  of  the  "general."  The  dressing  station 
can  be  got  ready  for  patients  in  fifteen  minutes,  and  can  be  struck  and 
loaded  on  wagon  again  in  seven  minutes. 

The  "travoir"  is  patterned  after  the  Indian  wickiup.  It  consists  of 
two  parts,  a  trail  11  feet,  and  a  front  piece  8  feet  long,  having  a  total 
length  of  16  feet  9  inches  when  assembled.  It  is  a  litter,  one  end  being 
put  over  a  mule,  which  pulls  it,  and  the  other  dragging  on  the  ground 
and  having  one  of  the  trail  shafts  a  little  longer  than  the  other,  so  that 
in  crossing  a  ditch  the  jar  will  be  less. 

Three  grades  of  ambulances  were  used.  The  first  style  carried  what  is 
known  as  "Old"  chest  and  two  patients.  The  second  style  carried  four 
patients  and  no  chest.  The  third  style  carried  four  patients,  had  seats 
on  side,  which  are  parked,  and  the  patients  are  lifted  into  the  ambulance 
on  the  same  litter  upon  which  they  are  brought  from  the  battlefield  (in 
the  second  style  they  had  to  be  taken  out  of  the  battlefield  litter  to  be 
lifted  into  the  litter  on  top  tier).  Hammocks  are  swung  on  the  sides  for 
the  accouterments  of  the  wounded.  Beneath  the  wagon,  water  is  carried 
in  cans  lodged  in  racks,  so  arranged  that  the  cans  can  be  tilted  out  of 
the  rack  and  cleaned,  which  can  not  be  done  in  the  others.  It  has  been 
suggested  that  the  cans  be  replaced  with  casks,  owing  to  the  cans  leak- 
ing soon  after  handling.  Under  the  wagon  and  in  front  of  the  water 
racks  are  racks  holding  two  rectangular  galvani zed-iron  boilers  with  lid, 
each  inclosed  in  an  iron  grate;  one  boiler  contains  a  metal  box  contain- 
ing "hospital  stores"  such  as  beef  extract,  sugar,  tea,  etc.,  and  matches, 
the  other  boiler  a  metal  box  with  "surgical  dressings."  The  grates  are 
used  to  build  a  fire  under,  and  the  boilers  are  placed  upon  them  to  heat 
water  in,  etc.  Escort  wagon  carries  a  little  kindling  for  this  purpose. 

Pre  jious  to  an  engagement  the  dressing  station  is  established  at  the 
nearest  and  most  accessible  point  to  the  firing  line  as  will  admit  of  full 
protection.  In  advance  of  this  and  near  the  firing  line  the  ambulance 
stations  are  placed,  one  to  the  rear  of  each  regiment.  The  nature  of  the 
ground  governs  these,  and  they  are  placed  as  far  as  the  ambulances  can 
go.  Connection  is  made  between  the  regimental  aid  stations  and  ambu- 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  19 

lance  stations  by  means  of  twenty-.one  ambulance  bearers.  When  the 
distance  is  short,  or  the  ground  very  rough,  litters  are  used,  otherwise 
the  "travoir." 

After  the  action,  the  wounded  having  been  collected  at  the  dressing 
station  are  taken  to  the  field  hospital.  The  regimental  surgeons  affix 
the  diagnosis  tags.  No  operations  are  practical  on  the  firing  line,  and 
only  those  of  the  most  imperative  nature  are  done  in  the  dressing  sta- 
tion, at  which  the  captain  and  possibly  one  assistant  are  stationed. 

All  escort  wagons  are  at  the  dressing  station,  unless  the  sections  are 
acting  independently,  in  which  case  each  section  establishes  its  own 
dressing  station. 

When  the  wounded  have  all  been  removed  from  the  regimental  aid 
stations  to  the  field  hospital,  the  company  camps  at  the  field  hospital 
and  assists  that  organization. 

The  officers  of  this  company  are  Captain  James  S.  Wilson,  First  Lieu- 
tenant J.  B.  Clayton,  First  Lieutenant  Gary  M.  Snoddy,  Assistant 
Surgeons,  to  whom  I  wish  to  express  my  thanks  for  this  information. 

BASE  HOSPITAL. 

The  base  hospital  was  laid  out  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  two  wards  to 
each  arm,  having  a  total  of  eight  wards.  Each  ward  consisted  of  two 
14-foot  tents,  placed  end  to  end,  with  a  fly  connecting  the  wards.  Each 
tent  had  six  cots,  and  was  floored.  An  isolation  tent  was  pitched  at 
some  distance  from  the  main  wards,  which  had  six  cots;  the  total  being 
one  hundred  and  two  cots. 

This  base  hospital  was  pitched  in  front  of  the  Post  hospital  of  Fort 
Riley,  a  stone  structure,  having  ample  accommodation  for  sixty 
patients.  Combining  the  two,  the  base  hospital  had  a  capacity  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty-two  cots.  All  cooking  was  done  in  the  Post  hospital. 

Major  P.  Shillock  was  in  command  of  the  Post  hospital,  assisted  by 
three  junior  officers.  There  was  a  steward  in  charge  of  the  base  hos- 
pital, likewise  one  for  the  Post  hospital. 

There  were  three  men  to  each  ward — one  for  day,  one  for  night,  and 
one  for  police  duty. 

The  average  number  of  patients  was  about  forty-five  in  base  hospital; 
maximum  being  forty-eight,  and  minimum  forty. 

The  health  of  the  camp  was  something  remarkable,  the  sick  list  ratio 
being  only  2.4  per  cent  for  the  entire  camp. 

Each  independent  organization  had  its  own  hospital  in  addition  to 
the  above. 

DIAGNOSIS  TAG 

contains  the  following  directions,  to  wit: 

The  diagnosis  tag  is  to  be  attached  as  soon  as  practicable  to  every  sick  or  wounded 
man  on  the  battlefield.  The  diagnosis  must,  as  a  rule,  be  entered  by  a  medical  officer. 

The  red  border  is  left  on  and  the  blue  torn  off  when  from  shock,  severe  injury,  or 
other  cause,  the  soldier  is,  at  the  time,  unable  to  endure  transportation. 


20  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

The  blue  border  is  left  on  and  the  red  torn  off  when  the  soldier  requires  transportation 
and  can  be  moved. 

Both  borders  are  torn  off  when  the  soldier's  disability  is  slight  or  such  that  he  can 
walk  to  the  dressing  station  or  hospital. 

Under  "  Diagnosis  "  the  medical  officer  will  give  a  brief  and  intelligible  description  of 
the  seat  and  character  of  the  injuries  or  the  nature  of  the  disease,  and  sign  it. 

Under  "  Treatment "  is  to  be  recorded  what  is  given,  especially  anodynes  and  stimu- 
lants, and  what  is  done  from  time  to  time,  by  medical  officers  or  attendants,  and  when 
proper,  it  may  be  indicated  what  further  is  needed  and  the  urgency  of  the  case.    If 
necessary,  for  brevity,  the  following  characters  may  be  used  to  save  time  and  space: 
X  Temporary  dressing  applied. 
=  Permament  dressing  applied. 
O  Operation  needed  (amp.  liga.,  etc.). 
OO  Operation  urgently  needed. 

OX  Operation  done  and  temporary  dressing  applied. 
0=  Operation  done  and  permanent  dressing  applied. 
XO  Temporary  dressing  applied  and  operation  needed. 
XOO  Temporary  dressing  applied  and  operation  urgently  needed. 
The  urgency  tag  is  to  be  used  in  addition  to  the  usual  diagnosis  tag  as  a  conspicuous 
mark  to  call  attention  to  some  case  requiring  immediate  assistance. 

The  date  is  important  and  should  never  be  omitted.  When  narcotics  or  stimulants 
are  administered  the  quantity  given  and  the  time  should  always  be  stated. 

If  practicable,  the  name,  rank,  company,  and  regiment  of  the  sick  or  wounded  man 
should  be  entered  upon  the  diagnosis  tag. 

During  the  maneuvers,  the  Medical  Department  established  the  regi- 
mental aid,  ambulance,  and  dressing  stations. 

The  general  plan  upon  which  the  Medical  Department  operates  can 
be  likened  as  follows :  The  wounded  are  gathered  upon  the  battlefield 
and  assembled  at  the  regimental  aid  stations  established  to  the  rear  of 
the  regimental  reserves,  where  the  diagnosis  tags  are  affixed  by  the  regi- 
mental surgeons.  Thus  far  they  are  handled  by  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment of  their  own  organization.  They  are  then  taken  in  charge  by  the 
ambulance  company,  which  conveys  them,  first  by  means  of  litters  to 
the  ambulance  stations,  whence  the  ambulances  convey  them  to  the 
dressing  stations ;  whence,  as  soon  as  possible,  they  are  conveyed  to  the 
field  hospital,  where  all  operations  as  far  as  practicable  are  performed. 
When  convalescent  they  are  sent  to  the  base  hospital,  and  some  finally 
to  the  general  hospital,  or  to  their  homes. 

If  the  human  hand  be  taken  to  illustrate  with,  the  first  section  of  the 
fingers  represent  the  regimental  aid  stations ;  the  second  section,  the 
ambulance  stations  ;  the  third  section,  the  dressing  stations ;  the  hand, 
the  field  hospital;  the  arm,  the  base  hospital;  and  the  body  the  general 
hospital  or  home. 

I  noted  particularly  the  personal  cleanliness  of  the  surgeons,  their 
fingernails,  hair,  etc.  The  instruments  were  bright,  and  all  the  appa- 
ratus I  saw  was  kept  in  first-class  condition. 

I  take  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  many  courtesies  extended  to  me 
by  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Van  R.  Hoff,  Deputy  Surgeon  General, 
U.  S.  A.,  Chief  Surgeon  Maneuver  Division. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  21 

COMMISSARY. 

The  workings  of  this  department  were  as  follows :  All  rations  were 
issued  from  the  post  commissary  at  Fort  Riley  Reservation.  As  soon 
as  a  company  entered  camp,  a  requisition  blank  (form  53)  was  filled 
out  and  approved  by  the  commanding  officer,  without  which  no  ration 
could  be  issued.  When  the  requisition  reached  the  post  commissary  he 
figured  it  out  and  notified  the  company  when  he  would  be  ready  to 
issue  (which  was  generally  two  hours).  The  quartermaster  sergeant  of 
the  company  then  brought  his  wagon  and  men  to  handle  its  supplies. 

The  post  commissary  then  issued  the  supplies  on  duplicate  issue  slips, 
which  showed  how  much  the  company  was  entitled  draw,  how  much  it 
drew,  how  much  it  saved  (which  in  the  case  of  fresh  beef  and  a  few 
other  things  it  got  no  savings).  The  quartermaster  sergeant  drew  the 
rations,  signed  duplicate  issue  slips,  and  retained  one. 

The  foregoing  method  of  issuing  was  based  on  one  company,  troop,  or 
battery  or  detachment.  If.  however,  a  regiment  arrived,  each  company, 
troop,  etc.,  carried  out  the  above  plan,  but  sent  the  company  ration 
return  to  its  regimental  adjutant,  who  consolidated  them  all  upon  one 
blank  (form  66).  The  adjutant  then  sent  it  to  the  post  commissary, 
after  signature  by  regimental  commander. 

The  post  or  camp  commissary  is  called  a  depot  commissary  when  he 
issues  to  several  regiments;  this  title  still  holds,  no  matter  how  great 
the  number  of  organizations. 

When  two  or  more  organizations  are  together,  the  company  ration 
returns  must  be  consolidated  at  the  headquarters,  and  the  consolidated 
returns  sent  to  post  or  depot  commissary. 

After  the  depot  commissary  had  checked  the  consolidated  return  and 
figured  the  rations  in  bulk,  which  required  about  two  hours  after  he 
received  the  return,  he  notified  the  regimental  commissary,  who  brought 
his  men  and  wagons  and  drew  these  supplies  in  bulk,  and  in  his  own 
camp  divided  them  up  and  issued  them  to  his  regiment  by  company. 

Wrhen  the  depot  commissary  issued  in  bulk  to  the  regimental  com- 
missary, the  duplicate  issue  slips  were  made  out  by  the  depot  commis- 
sary and  signed  by  the  regimental  commissary  as  his  receipt  for  the 
supplies  which  he  issues  to  the  companies  of  his  regiment  on  the  com- 
pany ration  return  which  he  procured  from  the  regimental  adjutant. 

The  regimental  commissary  made  the  same  duplicate  issue  slips  and 
had  them  signed,  as  in  the  case  of  the  post  commissary  issuing  to  a 
company,  as  already  explained. 

Rations  were  issued  on  a  basis  of  ten  days'  supply,  whenever  possi- 
ble. Bacon  was  issued  for  three  days  out  of  ten.  Savings  on  rations 
are  generally  made  on  bacon,  flour,  and  coffee,  for  which  a  money  allow- 
ance is  made,  which  is  used  in  the  purchase  of  other  articles  of  food. 

It  is   often   necessary  to   convert   rations   into   bulk  and  bulk  into 


22  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT   RILEY. 

rations,  and  for  this  purpose  the  "Army  ration  conversion  table"  is 
published,  by  the  aid  of  which  any  combination  of  men  and  rations 
can  be  figured  in  an  instant. 

There  are  four  kinds  of  rations  issued:  Garrison  ration,  value  20 
cents;  field  ration,  value  20  cents;  travel  ration,  value  40  cents; 
emergency  ration,  value  26|  cents. 

In  case  of  sickness  the  adjutant  general  orders  the  commissary  to 
furnish  travel  rations  to  the  sick  soldiers  returning  to  their  stations. 
Travel  ration  is  issued  based  upon  length  of  journey  and  number  of 
men.  When  not  practicable  to  furnish  the  travel  ration,  money  is  fur- 
nished the  soldier  at  the  rate  of  $1.50  per  day  for  meals  en  route.  When 
the  travel  ration  is  furnished,  21  cents  a  day  in  money  is  allowed  each 
soldier  for  coffee. 

Every  post  commissary  has  a  "  sales  room  "  and  an  "  issue  room."  He 
sells  to  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  the  army,  either  for  cash  or  monthly 
credit.  Married  soldiers  may  draw  their  rations  separately,  which  are 
deducted  from  the  company  and  given  to  the  soldiers.  Civilians  author- 
ized to  purchase,  such  as  teamsters,  blacksmiths,  etc.,  can  get  supplies 
by  paying  ten  per  cent  increase  on  commissary  prices.  These  men, 
teamsters  and  blacksmiths,  if  drawing  less  than  $60  per  month,  are 
entitled  to  rations. 

In  issuing  supplies  the  post  commissary  furnishes  the  packages, 
boxes,  etc.,  but  no  transportation  or  men. 

The  following  notes  of  the  lecture  given  by  Captain  H.  G.  Cole,  of 
the  commissary  department,  were  jotted  down  by  me: 

The  army  moves  on  its  belly. 

The  food  is  classified  as  follows:  (1st)  Articles  with  reference  to 
health  and  appetite;  (2d)  Supply  must  be  adequate  and  the  cost 
reasonable;  (3d)  There  must  be  variety  and  flexibility. 

As  to  dietetics,  it  is  not  an  exact  science.  Theory  helps  some,  but  you 
can  not  rely  upon  it  entirely. 

Articles  must  be  such  that  they  can  be  given  to  the  soldiers  in  good 
condition;  and  furthermore,  they  must  have  keeping  qualities. 

There  must  be  a  variety  in  standard  foods. 

A  flexible  and  varied  ration  is  difficult  to  provide  as  the  firing  line  is 
reached. 

The  sugar  ration  has  been  increased  since  the  Spanish  war. 

The  traveling  ration  is  issued  to  the  troops  who  have  no  cooking 
facilities,  and  consists  of  only  six  articles. 

The  emergency  ration  is  to  be  issued  only  when  no  other  ration  can 
be  had,  and  is  a  very  palatable  ration,  and  consists  of  three  cakes  of 
chocolate,  and  dried  beef  and  cracked  wheat  pressed  into  cakes. 

The  rations  in  the  tropics  are  increased  by  a  hundred  pounds  of  ice 
to  each  company  daily. 

No  matter  into  what  country  our  troops  are  sent,  the  natives  flourish 
on  our  rations. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  23 

Officers  are  detailed  to  the  purchasing  depots,  and  each  division  has 
a  regular  officer  detailed. 

San  Francisco  is  the  largest  purchasing  depot,  New  York  second,  and 
Chicago  third. 

All  stores  are  purchased  after  advertisement  in  different  papers. 

One  of  the  clauses  in  the  specifications  of  trie  commissary  department 
is  that  the  crescent  must  be  marked  on  all  commissary  stores,  pack- 
ages, etc. 

Expert  knowledge  is  required  to  know  even  standard  foods  as  to 
adulteration. 

Experts  are  required  in  the  purchase  of  coffee,  etc.,  also  to  prevent 
the  use  of  preservatives  injurious  to  the  stomach. 

All  meats  are  purchased  in  either  Chicago,  Kansas  City,  or  Omaha. 

Bacon  suitable  for  the  tropics  was  hard  to  get.  Inspectors  are 
employed  at  all  packing-houses. 

Provision  is  made  for  lacquering  the  cans,  as  all  canned  goods  shipped 
to  the  tropics  must  be  lacquered. 

QUARTERMASTER'S  DEPARTMENT. 

The  quartermaster's  department  was  in  charge  of  Captain  Chauncey 
B.  Baker,  Chief  Quartermaster. 

Between  September  3  and  September  18,  1902,  this  department  laid 
out  the  camp;  laid  53,000  feet  of  water  pipe  for  it;  floored  hospital  tents; 
built  cook  house,  and  tables  and  benches  for  officers7  mess;  dug  one 
hundred  and  seventy-five  sinks;  pitched  tents  for  visiting  officers,  etc.; 
and  let  contracts  for  the  disposal  of  the  garbage,  for  the  furnishing  of 
wood,  hay,  oats,  etc. 

Before  the  arrival  of  any  troops  in  camp  five  circular  letters  were 
prepared  by  the  chief  quartermaster,  and  handed  to  the  commanding 
officers  of  troops  upon  their  arrival  at  Fort  Riley  by  representatives  of 
the  chief  quartermaster,  who  also  conducted  these  officers  to  their  camp 
site.  The  following  are  copies  of  the  circulars: 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  OFFICE  OF  CHIEF  QUARTERMASTER, 
MANEUVER  DIVISION, 

FORT  RILEY,  KANS.,  September  19, 1902. 

Memorandum  for  Commanding  Officers  of  Troops  Coming  into  Camp. 
Promptly  upon  arrival  of  organizations  in  Camp  of  Maneuvers,  Quartermasters  of 
organizations  should  call  on  the  Chief  Quartermaster  for  the  following : 
Frames  for  sinks, 
Slop  barrels, 

Oil  for  burning  in  sinks, 
Lime  for  use  in  sinks, 
Urinal  cans. 

These  will  be  supplied  at  Division  Headquarters. 

Provision  has  been  made  for  a  scavenger  who  will  remove  dry  garbage  from  the 
company  kitchens. 

CHAUNCEY  B.  BAKER, 
Captain  and  Quartermaster  U.  S.  A., 
Chief  Quartermaster. 


24  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP   ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

The  context  of  the  second  circular  is  as  follows: 

There  will  be  sufficient  wood  placed  at  each  camp  for  immediate  use  of  each  organiza- 
tion, after  which  organizations  will  haul  their  own  wood.  Instructions  will  be  given  at 
the  office  of  the  Chief  Quartermaster  in  camp.  Grain  and  hay  will  be  delivered  to 
organizations  in  camp.  It  is  requested  that  Quartermaster  call  promptly  at  the  office  of 
the  Chief  Quartermaster  to  arrange  the  details  for  issue  of  wood  and  forage. 

The  context  of  the  third  circular  is  as  follows: 

It  being  the  intention  of  the  Commanding  General  to  assemble  all  transportation 
in  a  central  corral,  Quartermasters  of  organizations  are  requested  to  report  to  the  Chief 
Quartermaster  at  Division  Headquarters,  upon  which  the  necessary  arrangements  will 
be  made  to  carry  out  the  instructions  of  the  Division  Commander. 

The  context  of  the  fourth  circular  is  as  follows: 

The  Chief  Quartermaster  has  had  dug  in  each  camp,  for  immediate  use  of  troops 
arriving,  one  sink.  It  is  believed  that  this  will  serve  to  prevent  men  from  straying 
from  the  command. 

The  fifth  circular,  which  I  did  not  obtain,  requests  protection  of  pipe- 
lines. 

All  wagons  were  parked  in  one  general  corral,  teams  of  each  organi- 
zation separately,  and  subject  solely  to  the  orders  of  that  quartermaster. 
At  the  same  time  they  are  all  available  for  any  emergency  duty  upon 
communication  from  the  chief  quartermaster. 

After  baggage  was  hauled  to  site  and  wagons  emptied,  the  quarter- 
master of  the  organization  reported  to  the  chief  quartermaster  for 
directions  as  to  parking  wagons  in  general  corral;  upon  receipt  of 
which,  he  proceeded  to  the  general  corral. 

The  supervision  of  this  general  corral  was  under  an  experienced 
sergeant,  who  had  no  authority  other  than  of  a  general  supervisory 
character.  Each  organization  kept  its  own  forage  separate  in  the  corral. 

Every  organization  had  to  bring  its  own  equipment.  The  chief 
quartermaster  supplied  only  the  division  headquarters  and  such 
brigades  as  were  organized  on  the  ground. 

Organizations  not  fully  supplied  for  the  encampment  made  requisi- 
tions in  advance,  and  supplies  were  shipped  to  Fort  Riley  and  turned 
over  to  the  organization  direct  upon  accompaniment  of  proper  receipts. 

Forage  and  wood  were  issued  by  the  chief  quartermaster  upon  signed 
requisition  duly  approved. 

Each  organization  upon  arrival  in  camp  was  furnished  with  one  day's 
supply  for  immediate  use,  and  informed  that  further  issues  would  be 
made  only  upon  presentation  of  proper  papers. 

Wood,  hay,  and  oats  were  placed  in  one  forage  concentration  tent,  in 
charge  of  a  post  quartermaster  sergeant  detailed  for  that  duty. 

One  post  quartermaster  sergeant  was  on  duty  in  the  chief  quarter- 
master's office,  who  had  charge  of  all  property  and  papers,  and  who 
receipted  for  all  supplies  from  transportation  sources  other  than  forage. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 


25 


Another  post  quartermaster  sergeant  was  in  charge  of  and  issued 
lime,  oil,  sink  frames,  and  such  articles  as  were  kept  on  hand  for  use 
from  time  to  time,  tentage,  etc.  He  also  looked  after  policing  of  head- 
quarters and  visiting  officers. 

Transportation  was  handled  by  the  chief  quartermaster  direct. 

The  chief  quartermaster  of  each  military  department  furnished  the 
transportation  for  the  troops  arriving  at  Fort  Riley.  Departing,  the 
chief  quartermaster  furnished  it. 

To  enable  the  chief  quartermaster  to  arrange  for  the  return  transpor- 
tation, each  commanding  officer  furnished  a  list  showing  strength  of 
command,  number  of  animals,  etc.,  and  equipment  required.  This  was 
checked  over  by  the  chief  quartermaster  to  see  that  no  more  than  was 
necessary  was  asked  for.  The  chief  quartermaster  then  made  out  a 
railroad  equipment  sheet,  of  which  the  following  is  an  example: 

CHIEF  QUARTERMASTER'S   RAILROAD  EQUIPMENT   SHEET. 


Location. 

Officers 
and 
Men. 

Route. 

Time  of 
Departure. 

Equipment 
Required. 

Organization. 

FORT 
D.  A.  RUSSELL. 

302 

U.P. 

7  :  30  A.  M. 

7  Tourist  sleepers. 
1  Standard  sleeper. 
1  Baggage  car. 
1  Box  car  (large). 
2  Flat  cars. 
2  Horse  cars. 

18th  Infantry. 

FORT 
LOGAN, 
Colorado. 

477 

U.P. 
and 
D.  & 
R.  G. 

1st  Section 
8:00  A.  M. 

2d  Section 
8:30  A.M. 

2  Standard  sleepers. 
12  Tourist  cars. 
•2  Stock  cars. 
4  Flat  cars. 
2  Box  cars  (large). 
2  Baggage  cars. 

18th  Infantry. 

Tourist  sleepers  for 
first  section  should 
be  14-section  cars. 

FORT  ROOT 
and 
FORT  RENO. 

260 

U.P. 
and 

and  P. 

9:30  A.M. 

FORT  RENO. 
1  Standard  sleeper. 
4  Tourist  sleepers. 
1  Baggage  car. 
1  Stock  car. 
1  Box  car. 

22d  Infantry. 

FORT  ROOT. 

4  Tourist  sleepers. 
1  Box  car. 
1  Baggage  car. 

FORT 
LEAVENWORTH. 

240 

U.P. 
and 
M.  P. 

10:30  A.M. 

6  Coaches. 
17  Flat  cars. 
2  Box  cars. 
2  Baggage  cars. 

Engineer's. 

which  enabled  him  to  provide  the  necessary  cars  and  which  showed  the 
time  of  entraining  for  each  organization.  He  also  prepared  plans  which 
showed  the  location  of  each  organization's  equipment  at  the  railroad 
depot,  the  arrangement  of  the  cars,  and  the  time  when  the  cars  would 
be  switched  in  place. 


26  MANEUVER   DIVISION,   CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

This  department  received  and  distributed  500  cords  of  wood,  300,000 
pounds  of  oats,  and  500,000  pounds  of  hay. 

There  were  eleven  hundred  and  sixty-six  horses  and  mules  in  camp. 

Between  September  3  and  October  10,  1902,  the  correspondence 
through  th.e  chief  quartermaster  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  seven 
telegrams,  three  hundred  and  ten  letters  received,  and  two  hundred  and 
fifty  letters  sent.  This  does  not  include  requisitions  for  supplies,  nor 
any  memorandum  papers.  The  office  force  consisted  of  one  clerk  and 
three  quartermaster  sergeants,  having  office  furniture  to  the  extent  of 
one  field  desk,  one  file  case,  and  one  typewriter. 

The  following  memoranda  I  noted  concerning  quartermaster's  stores: 

Five  wall  tents  were  packed  in  one  box,  which  weighed  250  pounds; 
fifteen  tent  flies  were  packed  in  one  box.  Poles  for  five  tents  were  tied 
together  in  one  bunch.  Sibly  stoves  were  nested  in  units  of  three. 
Stovepipe  is  crated;  no  elbows  being  carried. 

I  wish  to  express  to  Captain  Chauncey  B.  Baker,  Chief  Quartermaster 
Maneuver  Division,  my  great  appreciation  for  the  many  courtesies 
extended  to  me. 

Owing  to  the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  the  following  paper,  pre- 
pared by  Captain  Chauncey  B.  Baker,  Chief  Quartermaster,  upon  the 
"Scope  and  Duties  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department,"  was  not  read: 

It  is  not  possible,  in  the  compass  of  a  single  paper,  to  afford  any  material  instruction 
as  to  the  details  of  the  work  of  the  quartermaster's  department.  All  that  can  be  done 
is  to  take  a  comprehensive  glance  at  the  general  scope  of  the  departmental  duties,  and 
point  out  some  of  the  more  salient  features. 

The  quartermaster's  department  is  charged  with  the  duty  of  providing  means  of 
transportation  of  every  character,  either  under  contract  or  in  kind,  which  may  be  needed 
in  the  movement  of  troops  and  material  of  war.  It  furnishes  all  public  animals 
employed  in  the  service  of  the  army,  the  forage  consumed  by  them,  wagons  and  all 
articles  necessary  for  their  use,  except  the  equipment  of  cavalry  and  artillery. 

It  furnishes  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  barracks,  storehouses,  and  other 
buildings;  constructs  and  repairs  roads,  railways,  bridges;  builds  and  charters  ships, 
boats,  docks,  and  wharves  needed  for  military  purposes;  and  attends  to  all  matters 
connected  with  military  operations  which  are  not  expressly  assigned  to  some  other 
bureau  of  the  War  Department. 

It  is  immediately  apparent  that  the  duties  devolving  upon  an  officer  of  the  quarter- 
master's department  are  of  so  varied  a  nature  and  so  wide  in  their  scope  that  necessity 
exists  for  the  application  of  the  most  approved  business  principles  to  the  execution  of 
the  requirements  imposed. 

The  first  and  most  urgent  consideration  in  the  inception  of  any  undertaking  is  the 
organization  of  the  enterprise  along  such  lines  as  will  enable  one  responsible  head  to 
administer  affairs  in  such  fashion  as  to  economize  time,  avoid  friction,  minimize 
expense,  and  produce  the  highest  possible  degree  of  efficiency  as  the  result  of  the  means 
at  hand. 

In  order  to  secure  so  desirable  an  outcome,  the  most  thorough  system  should  be  intro- 
duced and  maintained,  and  the  work  should  be  accordingly  organized  under  general 
heads  or  subdivisions  for  the  purpose  of  convenience  and  accuracy  in  administration. 

In  the  office  of  the  quartermaster  general— the  head  of  the  department— it  will 
be  found  that  the  work  is  subdivided  into  fourteen  different  branches,  as  follows: 
(1)  Money  accounts;  (2)  Clothing  supply;  (3)  Rail  and  river  transportation  ;  (4)  Regu- 
lar supplies;  (5)  Property  returns;  (6)  Finance;  (7)  Reservations;  (8)  Cemeterial ; 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  27 

(9)  Ocean  transportation ;  (10)  Records;  (11)  Barracks  and  quarters;  (12)  Inspection  and 
personnel;  (13)  Miscellaneous  claims;  (14)  Architectural,  draughtsmen,  etc.  These 
subdivisions  are  practically  self-explanatory. 

In  the  office  of  the  quartermaster  general  are  a  half  dozen  or  more  officers,  captains 
and  field  officers,  attached  as  assistants,  each  of  whom  is  charged  with  the  conduct  of 
one  or  more  of  the  branches  noted.  At  the  head  of  each  branch  is  a  principal  clerk, 
responsible  for  the  conduct  of  its  affairs.  All  communications  received  come  first  to 
the  chief  clerk  of  the  department ;  matters  of  large  importance  are  brought  at  once  to 
the  attention  of  the  quartermaster  general ;  routine  business  passes  through  channels 
for  necessary  record,  direct  to  the  various  subdivisions  of  the  office ;  if  of  ordinary 
nature,  it  is  at  once  acted  upon  by  the  officer  directly  in  charge ;  if  of  considerable 
importance,  it  is  brought  by  him  before  the  quartermaster  general,  In  this  way  the 
quartermaster  general  can  give  personal  attention  to  all  matters  of  material  signifi- 
cance, and  minor  affairs  are  disposed  of  without  consuming  his  time.  By  this  means 
all  functions  of  the  office  are  clearly  established,  and  a  definite  responsibility  is  fixed 
for  every  act.  Errors  and  omissions  can  be  readily  traced  to  the  party  at  fault,  and  the 
likelihood  of  their  recurrence  is  reduced  to  a  minimum. 

It  is  equally  important  that  the  work  of  every  quartermaster's  office  be  organized 
along  similar  general  lines  of  systematic  order.  There  should  be  the  definite  responsi- 
bility of  his  clerical  force,  if  he  have  clerks,  for  certain  lines  of  duty  in  his  office ;  of  his 
other  subordinates  for  the  particular  work  assigned,  each  responsible  in  his  own  sphere, 
and  each  reporting  in  turn  to  his  superior,  from  the  lowest  teamster  to  the  principal 
clerk ;  each  separately  held  to  account  for  his  own  special  duty,  and  yet  all  centering  in 
one  headship,  of  the  quartermaster  himself;  each  expected  to  carry  out  his  independent 
routine  so  that  only  such  matters  as  require  executive  action  need  come  before  the 
quartermaster,  and  yet  the  whole  so  disposed  that  an  ordinary,  trivial  matter,  upon 
assuming  any  unusual  phase  of  importance,  shall  not  be  able  to  escape  the  immediate 
attention  of  the  officer  himself. 

Having  clearly  grasped  the  importance  of  a  rigid  system  in  the  conduct  of  his  affairs, 
and  disposed  his  office  and  working  force  accordingly,  be  it  great  or  small,  the  quarter- 
master is  in  position  to  consider  the  extent  of  the  duties  he  may  be  called  upon  to 
discharge,  and  the  most  effective  means  of  meeting  the  demands  upon  him  as  they  may 
arise.  He  will  find  that  by  no  means  the  least  of  the  requirements  recited  in  the 
quartermaster's  creed  is  that  all-embracing  paragraph  which  relates  that  the  quarter- 
master's department  shall  "care  for  all  matters  connected  with  military  operations 
which  are  not  expressly  assigned  to  some  other  bureau  of  the  War  Department." 

In  the  exercise  of  the  practically  discretionary  powers  thus  broadly  set  forth,  it  is 
often  hard  to  draw  the  line  as  to  where  the  quartermaster  should  take  up  a  work,  and 
just  where  his  acts  should  cease.  However,  this  is  only  one  of  many  points  which 
arise  wherein  the  judgment  of  the  quartermaster  must  come  into  play,  and  wherein  the 
best  interests  of  the  service  will  be  consulted  in  making  a  decision  as  to  the  course  to 
be  pursued. 

The  question  of  the  furnishing  of  all  classes  of  quartermaster's  stores  and  supplies 
required  must  promptly  receive  the  attention  of  the  quartermaster.  This  duty  is  one 
which,  for  garrison,  is  guided  in  all  its  details  by  army  regulations  and  current  orders ; 
for  the  field,  it  is  important  to  limit  all  classes  of  supplies  to  such  as  are  required  for 
immediate  use,  and  they  should  be  of  the  simplest  and  most  serviceable  character.  In 
the  effort  to  do  too  much  there  is  always  the  temptation  to  do  something  that  is 
unnecessary,  and  in  the  matter  of  furnishing  supplies  it  is  fully  as  great  an  error  to 
burden  an  army  with  a  lot  of  non-essential  stores  as  to  provide  an  inadequate  supply. 
In  this  matter  good,  plain  common  sense  is  the  only  proper  guide ;  no  absolute  rule 
can  be  laid  down ;  but  the  exigencies  of  each  particular  situation,  in  the  field,  on  the 
march,  or  under  the  stress  of  an  active  campaign,  will  readily  appeal  to  the  practical 
consideration  of  the  responsible  officers ;  for  example,  I  may  say  that  in  my  service  1 
have  seen  inexperienced  quartermasters  carefully  scanning  the  regulations  and  current 
manuals  and  orders  to  discover  excuses  for  requiring  additional  supplies — I  have  seen 
regimental  quartermasters  in  the  field  who  were  in  actual  need  of  a  dozen  shovels  and 
who  yet  made  requisition  for  ten  times  that  amount,  because  there  existed  authority 
for  the  supply  of  that  number;  and  so  on  through  the  entire  list  of  articles,  practically 


28  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

all  of  which  were  subsequently  returned  to  depots  or  turned  over  to  other  quarter- 
masters in  the  original  packages  in  which  received.  On  the  other  hand,  I  have  seen  a 
green  regiment,  in  the  expectation  of  early  active  service  in  a  foreign  country,  come 
into  camp  without  shoes,  blankets,  or  uniforms;  clad  in  ragged  clothing  and  provided 
with  hats  of  pathetic  dissimilarity;  without  tentage  of  any  kind,  and  unsupplied  with 
any  form  of  transportation  whatsoever ;  without  food  and  without  cooking  utensils. 
And  in  this  condition  of  total  unpreparedness,  when  everything  so  vitally  necessary  to 
the  soldier  should  have  been  urgently  called  for,  the  first  request  made  upon  the  quarter- 
master's department  was  for  none  of  these  indispensable  essentials,  but  for  a  refrigerator, 
and  for  a  wheelbarrow  to  roll  the  ice. 

The  United  States  is  the  most  liberal  government  in  the  world  in  the  matter  of  the 
quality,  quantity,  and  variety  of  the  supplies  of  every  character  furnished  its  army  in 
the  field,  and  the  necessaries,  comforts,  and  conveniences  provided  at  its  garrisoned 
posts.  This  is  not  only  true  of  the  quartermaster's  department,  but  applies  to  all  supply 
departments.  The  manifest  object  aimed  at  is  the  attainment  and  maintenance  of  the 
highest  degree  of  efficiency  in  its  forces.  The  actual  requirements  in  each  instance  will 
be  seen  to  differ  widely,  yet  with  precisely  identical  ends  in  view ;  in  brief,  it  is  quite 
evident  that  the  soldier  in  garrison  should  have  furnished  him  all  reasonable  supplies 
of  every  character,  the  most  suitable  quarters  affording  the  greatest  degree  of  comfort, 
and  every  facility  for  recreation  and  relaxation  provided  for  by  existing  authority ;  in 
the  field  the  conditions  are  reversed,  and  the  great  fighting  machine  called  an  army 
should  be  stripped  of  all  its  superfluous  impedimenta,  and  the  mechanism  under  such 
conditions  will  be  found  to  operate  most  smoothly  when  provided  with  just  what  is 
necessary  in  the  way  of  supplies  and  equipment.  In  this  case  the  necessaries  are 
considered  and  the  comforts  are  dispensed  with. 

When  the  great  war  captain  of  our  nation,  General  Grant,  took  command  of  the 
eastern  army,  his  first  study  was  not  what  he  could  add  to  the  impedimenta  of  the  army 
that  had  been  more  than  three  years  in  trying  to  march  from  Washington  to  Richmond? 
but  what  he  could  dispense  with  without  crippling  its  efficiency.  The  result  was  that 
the  allowance  of  transportation  to  each  regiment  for  the  transportation  of  its  impedi- 
menta was  made  one  army  wagon,  and  with  that  allowance  of  transportation  in  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac. was  fought  the  last  year  of  the  war.  It  may  be  safely  said  that, 
other  things  being  equal,  the  first  body  to  arrive  on  the  scene  of  action  will  be  that 
which  is  least  incumbered  with  impedimenta ;  no  military  man  has  ever  slighted  the 
importance  of  being  prepared  to  strike  the  first  blow. 

The  quartermaster,  having  carefully  considered  the  subject  of  supply  under  the 
various  conditions  to  which  I  have  briefly  adverted,  the  next  point  for  him  to  solve  is 
the  question  of  accountability  and  responsibility,  which  embraces  both  property  and 
funds.  With  reference  to  the  matter  of  funds,  the  question  for  the  quartermaster  is 
simply  one  of  careful  compliance  with  existing  regulations  as  to  custody  of  official 
checks  and  cash,  and  with  regard  to  methods  to  be  employed  in  making  disbursements, 
transfers,  and  deposits;  and  of  carefully  providing  himself  with  the  written  approval 
of  higher  authority  to  cover  his  official  acts  pertaining  to  financial  matters. 

The  question  of  property  accountability  is  one  which  is  possessed  of  perhaps  more 
complexity,  but  by  proper  measures  the  responsibility  of  a  quartermaster  for  property 
for  which  he  is  accountable,  can  be  confined  practically  to  that  locked  within  the  doors 
of  his  storehouses.  Every  non-expendable  piece  of  property  issued  to  employe's,  all 
articles  temporarily  in  use  by  officers,  and  other  such  stores  actually  issued,  but  not 
invoiced,  should  be  covered  by  memorandum  receipts.  All  discharged  employe's  should 
clear  their  property  receipts  before  payment  is  made  them.  Memorandum  receipts  of 
officers  for  property  not  turned  back  should  be  filed  with  the  return  of  the  accountable 
officer,  and  will  relieve  him  in  the  premises.  Sundry  memorandum  receipts  of  the  same 
officer  should  be  consolidated  at  regular  intervals,  acting  as  a  continual  reminder  to  the 
officer,  of  the  property  for  which  he  is  responsible.  Careful  expenditure  lists,  timely 
action  in  the  matter  of  the  condemnation  of  wornout  and  unserviceable  property,  and 
the  use  of  other  such  facilities  provided  by  regulations,  will,  when  coupled  with  the 
safeguards  mentioned,  make  the  matter  of  property  accountability  and  responsibility 
not  a  difficult  one  to  compass  with  success  and  credit.  No  quartermaster  should  hesi- 
tate to  assume  either  responsibility  or  accountability  for  property  when  circumstances 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  29 

so  demand,  and  very  simple  measures  are  at  hand  for  his  protection  in  the  adjustment 
of  any  questions  that  may  arise. 

The  necessary  supplies  obtained,  the  matter  of  accountability  therefor  clearly  denned, 
and  measures  of  fixing  responsibility  clearly  provided  for,  the  quartermaster  will 
naturally  turn  to  the  other  great  head  under  which  most  of  his  remaining  duties  will  be 
classed,  namely,  that  of  army  transportation.  Of  all  the  branches  of  the  work  of  the 
quartermaster  there  is  none  so  important,  and  to  my  mind  so  interesting,  as  that  of  the 
transportation  of  troops  and  supplies.  Whether  this  be  done  by  the  great  ocean  trans- 
ports that  have  come  into  existence  since  the  beginning  of  the  Spanish-American  War, 
or  by  the  humble  pack-mule,  or  even  where  the  supplies  are  carried  by  the  man  himself, 
all  these  means  are  connectedly  working  together  for  one  common  purpose  ;  that  is,  the 
bringing  of  the  supplies  and  troops  to  that  point  where  they  shall  be  of  the  greatest  use 
to  the  commanding  general  of  the  army.  Upon  the  successful  transportation  of  troops 
and  supplies  has  depended  the  success  or  failure  of  more  than  one  great  army  ;  in  fact» 
it  may  be  safely  said  that  the  superiority  of  one  army  over  another  in  the  matter  of 
transportation  will  go  far  toward  making  that  army  superior  to  its  opponent,  unless  in 
other  respects  it  shall  be  found  very  materially  deficient. 

Upon  this  subject  of  army  transportation  it  may  be  stated  that  in  our  service,  the 
quartermaster's  department,  in  addition  to  a  long  list  of  duties  recited,  and  many  others 
that  are  not  specifically  set  forth,  provides  all  transportation  of  whatever  kind,  both  for 
troops  and  material  of  war;  it  supplies  all  animals  used,  of  whatever  character; 
furnishes  transportation  by  rail  and  river,  by  wagon  and  pack-mule,  and  supplies  ocean 
transports  for  beyond-the-sea  freight  and  travel.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  department  to 
build  roads,  bridges,  railways,  ships,  docks,  and  wharves  as  a  means  of  transportation- 
It  mans,  equips,  and  operates  every  style  of  transport,  from  the  ocean-going  steamship 
down  to  the  coolie  that  carries  the  load  upon  his  back.  It  carries  the  water  that  supplies 
the  troops  in  garrison  and  camp,  and  removes  the  sewage. 

In  addition  to  the  transportation  of  its  own  supplies  it  is  for  the  quartermaster's 
department  to  carry  the  supplies  of  every  department  of  the  Government  when  called 
upon  to  do  so.  A  commander  contemplating  a  proper  and  adequate  supply  for  his 
forces,  whether  in  peace  or  war,  in  garrison  or  on  the  march,  should  give  timely  notice 
of  his  intentions  to  his  quartermaster,  indicating  at  what  points  supplies  should  be 
placed  and  for  what  period  of  time.  The  quartermaster  will  then,  from  the  general 
instructions  of  the  commanding  officer,  carefully  consider  the  matter  and  estimate  the 
amount  of  supplies  to  be  carried  with  the  troops  and  the  quantities  to  be  provided  at 
various  points,  the  time  when  they  will  reach  their  destination,  when  the  movement 
should  begin,  and  furnish  the  necessary  transportation. 

In  doing  all  of  this,  the  first  subjects  for  consideration  will  be  the  amount  and 
character  of  the  means  of  transportation  available,  the  country  to  be  passed  over,  the 
distance  and  character  of  the  roads,  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered,  whether  from 
bridges,  streams,  the  enemy,  or  other  obstacles,  the  probable  time  required,  and  so  on, 
and  the  necessary  arrangements  will  be  made  accordingly.  It  is  always  wise  to  embrace 
every  possible  factor  for  safety  in  all  calculations  regarding  transportation.  It  is  the 
duty  of  the  quartermaster,  also,  in  such  cases,  to  provide  for  the  successful  continuous 
forwarding  of  supplies  as  they  may  be  needed. 

The  young  quartermaster  in  entering  upon  his  duties  will  find  available — varying,  of 
course,  with  the  particular  conditions  with  which  he  finds  himself  surrounded — trans- 
portation of  either  one  or  the  other,  or  perhaps  a  number  of  the  kinds  which  have  been 
mentioned.  He  will  have  wagon  transportation,  of  course,  from  which  he  will  derive 
the  full  value  only  by  intelligent  arrangement  and  organization. 

For  a  large  corral,  such  as  existed  for  the  supply  of  General  Lee's  corps  in  Cuba,  and 
other  attached  organizations,  eleven  wagon  trains  of  twenty-five  wagons  each  were 
required,  the  railroad  facilities  being  found  inadequate.  In  the  organization  of  a  corral 
of  such  dimensions,  it  was  necessary  to  elaborate  a  system  as  complete  as  for  the 
organization  of  a  regiment,  as  follows : 

A  superintendent  of  corrals,  in  general  control.    His  working  staff,  composed  of: 

A  corral  master,  responsible  for  the  cleanliness  and  orderly  arrangement  of  the 
corral  and  good  discipline  and  general  supervision  of  the  men  and  animals  within  its 
limits. 


30  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

A  superintendent  of  transportation,  in  charge  of  all  trains  and  teams  at  work, 
responsible  for  their  proper  equipment  and  efficiency. 

For  each  train :  one  wagon  master,  responsible  for  its  condition  and  operation ;  one 
assistant  wagon  master,  to  whom  he  could  delegate  some  portion  of  his  duties;  and 
twenty-five  teamsters.  Each  teamster  was  made  responsible  for  his  team  and  also  all 
property  in  his  possession,  and  by  means  of  delivery  tickets  for  every  item  of  supplies 
entrusted  him  for  transportation. 

A  veterinary  attended  the  sick  or  wounded  animals. 

A  forage  master  was  responsible  upon  signed  receipts  for  all  forage  and  its  proper 
feeding. 

A  superintendent  of  shops  directed  the  work  of  blacksmith's,  saddler's,  wheelwright's, 
painter's,  and  other  shops,  and  within  each  shop  one  man  acted  as  foreman  and  was 
held  responsible  for  the  work. 

A  foreman  of  laborers  was  held  responsible  for  the  unskilled  labor. 

A  property  clerk  kept  the  individual  property  account  of  each  employe",  made  requi- 
sitions for  materials  required,  and  kept  stock  of  all  property  on  hand. 

Each  of  these  employe's  had  well-defined  duties  and  no  conflict  could  arise.  This 
system  of  wagon  trains,  operating  over  a  distance  of  eleven  or  twelve  miles,  rough  road, 
was  able  to  carry  a  greater  quantity  of  supplies  than  could  be  transported  by  a  single 
line  of  railroad  in  operation  on  a  parallel  line;  and  in  its  state  of  reduced  numbers,  was 
finally  disbanded  on  May  20,  1902,  after  handling  many  millions  of  pounds  of  stores  per 
month,  during  nearly  four  years'  operations,  without  the  loss  of  a  single  article  except 
one  sack  of  coffee  and  a  few  minor  articles  of  commissary  supplies,  for  which  the 
teamsters  promptly  paid  the  full  value  in  each  case. 

The  organization  of  pack  trains  is  along  similar  lines,  the  principles  of  responsibility 
and  organization  being  applied  in  the  same  manner,  and  it  is  needless  to  say  with  the 
same  gratifying  results. 

You  have  all  had  sufficient  opportunity  for  observing  the  scope  and  importance  of 
this  single  function  of  the  quartermaster's  department  to  realize  the  necessity  for  the 
most  constant  attention  to  this  subject  in  order  that  the  welfare  of  the  command  may 
not  suffer.  It  is  not  sufficient  that  the  quartermaster  do  the  things  that  he  is 
commanded  to  do  by  his  superior  officer,  but  he  must  himself  be  a  man  of  discretion, 
originality,  and  intelligence.  No  member  of  the  staff  has  it  in  his  power  to  relieve  his 
chief  of  as  much  detail  and  annoyance  as  has  the  quartermaster.  It  is  a  well-established 
principle  that  the  commander  of  a  force,  whether  large  or  small,  should  be  freed  from 
the  annoying  details  of  the  various  staff  departments  as  far  as  may  be  practicable,  in 
order  to  enable  him  to  devote  his  time  and  attention  to  the  larger  questions  pertaining 
to  his  command,  whether  they  be  the  strategic  features  of  a  campaign,  or  the  interior 
matters  pertaining  to  drill  discipline  and  administration. 

Finally,  let  me  say  to  my  brother  quartermasters,  that  we  have  as  an  inspiration  in 
our  task  practically  unlimited  opportunities  for  the  constant  use  of  all  the  inventive, 
creative,  executive,  and  administrative  abilities  that  each  man  may  possess,  and  for  the 
exercise  of  all  the  faculties  of  his  intelligence.  Receiving  the  raw  recruit  unprepared 
and  unequipped,  it  is  the  duty  of  our  department  to  provide  him  with  the  necessary 
clothing  and  fit  him  out  in  the  uniform  of  a  soldier,  give  him  shelter  of  tentage  or 
quarters,  supply  him  with  a  bed  and  bedding,  with  light  for  his  illumination,  fuel  for 
his  warmth  and  to  cook  his  food ;  ranges,  ovens,  and  utensils  in  which  to  prepare  it, 
and  with  the  tableware  from  which  to  eat  his  meals  ;  to  furnish  him  mounts  and  draft 
animals  and  the  forage  they  require.  Our  department  carries  the  soldier  and  his 
equipment  by  pack-mule,  wagon,  rail,  river,  and  over-sea  transportation  to  distant 
shores  and  the  scene  of  active  service;  provides  the  drums  that  roll  the  call  to  battle, 
and  the  flag  that  he  follows  to  victory ;  his  duty  done,  bears  him  back  triumphantly  to 
the  mother,  or  sweetheart,  or  wife  in  the  home  land  that  he  loves ;  or  should  he  fall  in 
battle,  or  die,  not  less  gloriously  but  more  sadly,  from  the  onslaught  of  some  insidious 
disease,  it  is  the  quartermaster's  department  that  furnishes  his  last  narrow  tenement, 
bears  the  sacred  remains  home  to  lie  in  his  native  soil,  provides  the  grave  in  which  he 
sleeps,  and  keeps  green  the  sod  above  his  resting-place. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  31 

ENGINEERS. 

Following  is  the  organization  and  equipment  of  the   First  Battalion 
of  Engineers  during  the  Fall  maneuvers,  September  and  October,  1902: 
I.    HEADQUARTERS,  FIELD,  AND  STAFF. 

ORGANIZATION: 

1  major,  mounted,  comma  iding  the  battalion. 

1  first  lieutenant,  mounted,  as  adjutant;  also  in  charge  photo  and  map  depart- 
ments. 

1  first  lieutenant,  mounted,  as  quartermaster  and  commissary. 

1  sergeant  major,  mounted. 

1  quartermaster  sergeant,  mounted. 

1  acting  commissary  sergeant,  mounted  (man  and  mount  counted  in  strength  of 
"B  "  Company). 

1  sergeant  photographer,  mounted  (man  and  mount  counted  in  strength  of  "B" 
Company). 

4  draftsmen  (2  from  "A,"  2  from  "  D  "  Companies). 

1  battalion  clerk  (from  "  B  "  Company). 

1  operator,  rotary  neostyle  (from  "  C  "  Company). 

1  mounted  orderly  (man  and  mount  from  "  C  "  Company). 

1  enlisted  teamster  (from  "  C  "  Company). 

1  civilian  chief  packer,  having  supervisory  control  of  packing. 

1  civilian  wagon  master. 

2  civilian  teamsters. 

WAGONS  : 

1  6-mule  wagon  for  Headquarters  and  map  departments. 
1  escort  wagon  for  miscellaneous  stores. 

ANIMALS  : 

3  private  horses. 

4  Government  horses. 
1  riding  mule. 

10  draft  mules. 

EQUIPMENT  : 

Map:  Drafting  outfit  complete  for  four  draftsmen,  with  paper,  ink,  etc. 
Blueprint  frame,  32"  x  42";  washing  trays;  and  prepared  paper. 

Photo:  Outfit  for  making  plates  and  prints  from  5  x  7  to  10 x  12.  (Note.— This  out- 
fit was  hastily  gotten  together,  and  to  a  large  extent  consisted  of  discarded  appa- 
ratus from  river  and  harbor  district  officers,  and  was  not  at  all  adapted  to  field 
work.  A  proper  outfit  to  be  requisitioned  for.) 

Survey  and  Reconnaissance:  1  transit,  1  wye  level,  1  level  rod,  1  stadia  rod,  2  odom- 
eters, 6  prismatic  compasses,  2  clinometers,  6  cavalry  sketching  cases,  etc. 

Bridge  Train:  (The  bridge  train  was  attached  to  Company  "C,"  the  company 
designated  for  the  maneuvers  as  the  "Bridge  Company."  Being  only  tempo- 
rarily assigned  to  the  Bridge  Company,  the  bridge  train  is  counted  in  the  bat- 
talion equipment.) 

1  division  of  the  light-bridge  equipage,  consisting  of: 
1  tool  wagon. 

1  forge  wagon  (shipped  by  rail,  as  there  were  not  enough  mules). 
8  pontoon  wagons. 

2  chess  wagons. 
2  trestle  wagons. 

52  draft  mules. 
1  riding  mule. 
14  civilian  teamsters. 
1  complete  division  and  1  incomplete  division  of  the  heavy-bridge  equipage 

(shipped  by  rail,  as  no  draft  animals  were  available). 

Engineer  Depot:  Shovels,  picks,  mattocks,  spades,  rope,  wire,  nails,  etc.,  were 
shipped  by  rail  to  form  an  engineer  supply  depot. 


32  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

II.     COMPANY  "A." 
ORGANIZATION  : 

3  officers,  mounted. 
2  teamsters. 

1  acting  veterinarian,  mounted  (looked  after  all  battalion  animals). 
19  men  in  mounted  section. 

2  packers,  on  riding  mules. 
44  men,  in  foot  sections. 

Total,  3  officers  and  68  men. 
WAGONS  : 

1  baggage  and  ration  wagon,  escort. 

1  tool  wagon,  escort. 
ANIMALS  : 

23  horses,  public. 

2  riding  mules. 

6  pack  mules  (4  tools,  2  baggage). 

8  draft  mules. 
EQUIPMENT  : 

Tool  wagons  supplied  with  shovels,  picks,  mattocks,  axes,  hatchets,  machetes, 
crosscut  saws,  carpenter's  tools,  reconnaissance  outfit,  and  small  map-repro- 
ducing outfit,  tracing  tape,  rope,  tackle,  nails,  etc.,  horse  and  mule  shoes,  etc. 

Four  pack  mules,  loaded  in  pouches  with  earth-working  tools,  saws,  axes,  hatchets, 
rope  and  tackle,  etc.,  horse  and  mule  shoes,  etc. 

Two  pack  mules  loaded  with  baggage,  rations,  etc.,  and  small  supply  of  horse 
medicines. 

(Note. — Each  company,  except  "C  "(Bridge  Company),  was  supplied  with  an  assort- 
ment of  tools  and  supplies  for  nearly  all  contingencies.  Company  "A"  had 
also  a  small  map-reproducing  outfit  and  survey  instruments;  Company  "B/ 
portable  blacksmith  outfit;  Company  "D,"  sandbags,  etc.) 

III.    COMPANY  "B." 
ORGANIZATION  : 

2  officers,  mounted. 
2  teamsters. 

23  men  in  mounted  section  (including  acting  commissary  sergeant). 
2  packers,  on  mules. 
53  men,  in  foot  sections. 

Total,  2  officers  and  80  men. 
WAGONS: 

Same  as  Company  "A." 
ANIMALS: 

25  horses,  public. 
2  riding  mules. 

6  pack  mules  (4  tools,  2  baggage). 
8  draft  mules. 
EQUIPMENT  : 

Tool  wagon  loaded  as  that  of  "A"  Company,  except  that  a  portable  blacksmith 

outfit  was  carried  instead  of  the  map  and  survey  outfits. 

Pack  animals  loaded  as  for  "A"  Company,  except  that  horse  medicines  were  not 
carried. 

IV.    COMPANY  "  C  "  (Bridge  Company). 
ORGANIZATION  : 

2  officers,  mounted. 

2  teamsters  (1  for  Battalion  Headquarters). 

5  men  in  mounted  section  (mounted  section  not  fully  organized;  horses  not 

arrived). 

2  packers,  on  mules. 
60  men,  in  foot  sections. 

Total,  2  officers  and  68  men. 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  33 

WAGONS: 

1  baggage  and  ration  wagon,  escort. 

ANIMALS: 

1  private  horse. 
6  public  horses. 

2  riding  mules. 

4  pack  mules  (2  tools  and  2  baggage). 
4  draft  mules. 

EQUIPMENT: 

This  company  used  the  tool  wagon  belonging  to  bridge  train,  which  contained 

earth-working  tools,  carpenter's  tools,  rope,  etc. 

One  pack  mule  with  demolition  outfit— dynamite,  fuse,  etc.,  magneto  machine,  etc. 
One  pack  mule  loaded  with  carpenter's  tool  chest,  complete. 
Two  pack  mules  for  baggage  and  rations,  etc. 

V.    COMPANY  "D." 
ORGANIZATION  : 

2  officers,  mounted. 
2  teamsters. 
19  men  in  mounted  section.  » 

1  enlisted  chief  packer,  mounted  on  riding  mule  (assisting  civilian  chief  packer). 

2  packers,  on  mules. 
48  men,  in  foot  sections. 

Total,  2  officers  and  72  men. 

WAGONS  : 

Same  as  Company  "A." 

ANIMALS  : 

22  public  horses. 

3  riding  mules. 

6  pack  mules  (4  tools  and  2  baggage). 
8  draft  mules. 

EQUIPMENT: 

Tool  wagon  same  as  for  "A"  Company,  except  that  instead  of  map  and  survey 

outfits  it  carried  revetting  material. 
Pack  mules  loaded  as  in  "A"  Company,  except  for  horse  medicines. 

It  will  be  seen  from  a  perusal  of  the  above  equipment,  the  details  of 
which  were  kindly  furnished  me  by  First  Lieutenant  H.  Burgess,  Corps 
of  Engineers,  Adjutant  First  Battalion  of  Engineers,  that  this  organiza- 
tion was  equipped  to  perform  all  of  the  many  and  varied  tasks  which 
come  within  the  scope  of  military  field  engineering. 

The  bridge  equipment  is  divided  into  two  parts:  "The  reserve  train," 
and  "  The  advance  guard  train." 

The  reserve  train  consists  of  the  heavy  wood  pontoons,  and  is  designed 
to  accompany  large  bodies  of  troops  and  is  equipped  to  bridge  any  sized 
stream  over  which  the  heaviest  trains  carried  by  an  army  can  pass.  A 
division  of  the  reserve  train  carries  all  material  necessary  for  construct- 
ing a  bridge  of  eleven  bays  or  225  feet  long,  having  a  roadway  of  10 
feet  between  side  rails.  It  carries  eight  pontoons  and  two  trestles; 
sixteen  wagons  especially  constructed  to  transport  the  material,  which 
weighs  37,971  pounds.  The  wagons  weigh  32,917  pounds,  making  the 
2 — MFR 


34  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,   FORT    RILEY. 

total  weight  of  a  division  70,888  pounds.  The  pontoon  wagon  with  its 
load  is  the  heaviest,  and  weighs  5,100  pounds;  the  forge  wagon  with  its 
load  weighs  3,383  pounds,  which  is  the  lightest.  The  average  weight 
per  lineal  foot  of  bridge  of  all  material  carried  is  about  170  pounds.  A 
trestle  abutment  bay,  which  is  the  lightest,  when  assembled,  weighs 
about  100  pounds  to  the  lineal  foot,  or  2,000  pounds  to  the  bay; 
and  a  pontoon  bay,  including  anchors,  weighs  about  200  pounds  per 
lineal  foot,  or  about  4,000  pounds  to  the  bay,  which  is  the  heaviest. 

The  advance  guard  train  carries  the  canvas  pontoons;  it  generally 
accompanies  the  cavalry  or  advance  detachments,  and  is  equipped  to 
bridge  any  stream  so  as  to  enable  said  troops  to  cross.  A  division  of 
the  advance  guard  train  carries  all  material  necessary  for  constructing 
a  bridge  of  eleven  bays,  or  170  feet  long,  with  a  roadway  of  about  9  feet 
between  side  rails.  It  has  eight  canvas  pontoons  and  two  trestles,  four- 
teen wagons,  weighing  24,917  pounds,  carrying  all  the  material,  which 
weighs  23,937  pounds,  giving  a  gross  weight  of  48,854  pounds  of  equip- 
ment. The  trestle  wagon  when  loaded  is  the  heaviest,  weighing  3,810 
pounds;  and  the  forge  wagon  loaded  the  lightest,  weighing  3,383  pounds. 

Average  weight  per  lineal  foot  of  bridge  of  all  material  carried  is 
about  140  pounds. 

A  pontoon  bay,  including  anchor,  etc.,  weighs  about  130  pounds  per 
lineal  foot  of  bridge. 

The  trestle  material  is  the  same  as  carried  in  the  reserve  train,  with 
the  exception  of  the  chess,  and  weighs  the  same  practically,  i.  e.,  about 
100  pounds  per  lineal  foot  of  bridge. 

The  bridge  material  is  composed  of  pontoons  or  boats,  trestles,  balks 
(which  are  the  stringers  laid  across  the  trestles  and  the  pontoons,  upon 
which  the  flooring  is  placed),  the  chess  or  flooring,  the  side  rails  (for 
which  balks  are  used)  which  hold  the  chess  in  position  and  prevent 
wagons  from  rolling  off  the  side  of  the  bridge,  abutment  sills  (upon 
which  the  balks  rest  upon  the  shore  end),  ropes  for  lashings,  cables  for 
anchors,  etc. 

The  pontoons  are  flat-bottomed  boats,  made  of  oak,  31  feet  long,  and 
have  a  mid-section  which  is  15  feet  10  inches  long,  5  feet  8  inches  wide 
at  top,  4  feet  5  inches  at  bottom,  and  2  feet  8  inches  high;  the  bow  is 
2  feet  9^  inches  in  width,  and  the  stern  4  feet  8  inches;  and  weigh  1,600 
pounds  each.  These  boats  have  a  locker  in  the  stern  and  are  provided 
with  oars,  boat  hooks,  anchor,  cable  of  manila  rope,  and  small  ropes 
used  for  lashings,  etc. 

The  canvas  pontoon  is  formed  by  stretching  a  very  heavy  canvas 
cover  over  a  framework  having  the  shape  of  a  flat-bottomed  boat,  of  a 
uniform  width  at  top  and  bottom.  The  frame  is  21  feet  long  on  top,  18 
feet  4  inches  on  bottom,  5  feet  4  inches  wide,  and  2  feet  4  inches  deep, 
and  is  made  as  follows:  Two  side  frames  are  joined  together  by  fourteen 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT.  RILEY.  35 

cross-pieces  called  "transoms,"  fitting  into  mortises  in  the  frames,  and 
held  in  place  by  a  rope  passed  through  rings  in  the  ends  of  the  frames. 
When  assembled  the  canvas  pontoon  weighs  510  pounds. 

The  balks,  or  bridge  stringers,  are  5x5  inch  square  timbers  of  white 
pine,  and  are  of  two  sizes:  One,  the  long  balk,  is  27  feet  long,  having  a 
hardwood  claw  at  each  end,  distance  between  claws  being  25  feet  8 
inches;  the  other,  the  trestle  balk,  is  21  feet  8  inches  long,  with  two 
claws,  spaced  8  inches  apart,  at  each  end;  distance  from  center  to  center 
of  claws  is  20  feet.  One  long  balk  weighs  130  pounds,  and  a  trestle 
balk  weighs  90  pounds. 

The  chess,  or  bridge  flooring,  are  1-J  x  12  inch  white  pine  planks,  13 
feet  long,  with  each  end  narrowed  three  fourths  of  an  inch  on  each  side 
for  2  feet,  and  weigh  38  pounds  each. 

The  trestle  consists  of  a  cap,  two  legs,  two  false  legs,  two  shoes,  and 
two  suspension  chains.  The  cap  is  formed  of  two  planks  2  inches  by 
12  inches  by  20  feet  long,  placed  -together  so  that  there  is  an  opening 
near  each  end  through  which  the  legs  pass;  the  legs  are  3^  inches  by  7 
inches  by  15  feet  long,  fitted  at  the  top  to  receive  the  suspension  chains, 
at  the  bottom  to  enter  the  mortise  of  the  shoe;  the  shoe  is  of  pine, 
oblong,  14  by  20  inches,  and  about  3  inches  thick,  mortised  and  with 
key  to  fasten  to  leg,  and  is  intended  to  prevent  the  leg  from  sinking  too 
deeply  into  the  ground.  The  false  legs  fill  up  the  space  in  the  cap  and 
give  the  trestle  leg  its  proper  rake.  The  suspension  chains  are  8  feet 
long,  are  provided  with  rings  in  one  end  to  put  over  top  of  legs,  and 
toggles  at  the  other  to  pass  through  rings  in  caps.  A  trestle  complete 
weighs  472  pounds. 

Abutment  sills  are  each  5  inches  by  8  inches  by  14  feet  long,  and 
weigh  130  pounds. 

Ropes  pass  lengthwise  from  one  trestle  leg  to  the  other,  constituting 
a  system  of  bracing. 

Pontoon  Bridge  Across  Kansas  River. 

The  material  was  all  assembled  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Kansas  River, 
at  a  point  about  one  third  of  a  mile  south  from  the  railroad  depot  at 
Fort  Riley  po?t.  The  center  line  of  the  bridge  was  determined  and 
marked,  and  the  boats  were  unloaded  and  material  piled  on  the  up-  and 
down-stream  sides  near  the  abutment  site.  An  imaginary  line  was 
marked  out  on  the  up-stream  side  of  the  proposed  bridge,  upon  which 
the  anchors  carried  by  the  pontoons  were  dropped  into  the  water. 
These  anchors  were  placed  so  that  the  boat  would  naturally  swing  into 
the  position  which  it  had  in  the  bridge,  if  left  free. 

The  right  bank  of  the  stream  was  about  10  feet  high,  and  an  open  cut 
was  made  from  a  point  2  feet  above  water  edge  leading  to  top  of  bank 
on  an  easy  grade.  The  left  bank  was  a  flat,  and  about  2-J  feet  above 


36  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP   ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

the  water's  edge.  The  river  was  15  feet  deep,  and  had  a  velocity  of 
about  8  feet  a  second. 

The  bridge  was  begun  from  the  left  bank,  and  seven  trestle  bays  or 
bents  were  built  out;  then  fifteen  pontoons  were  placed,  finishing  the 
bridge,  which  then  consisted  of  300  feet  of  pontoon  bays  and  160  feet  of 
trestle  bays,  having  a  total  length  of  460  feet.  (There  were  only  seven- 
teen pontoons  in  the  reserve  train.) 

The  pontoon  abutment  bay  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river  and 
the  bay  joining  the  trestle  with  the  pontoon  were  changing  their 
inclination  with  the  rise  and  fall  of  the  river.  (Note:  The  bridge 
floor  on  the  pontoons  rises  and  falls  with  the  boats,  but  the  bridge 
floor  on  the  trestles  is  fixed,  being  suspended  by  chains  from  tops 
of  the  trestle  legs.)  This  was  provided  for  by  introducing  a  rocker 
joint  or  saddle  on  the  inshore  pontoon  and  on  the  one  next  to  the 
trestle,  and  consisted  of  two  " transoms"  placed  across  the  gunwales 
of  the  pontoon,  and  upon  them  an  abutment  sill  was  placed  between 
cleats  on  the  top  of  the  transom,  and  the  balks  were  lashed  to  this  sill. 

The  legs  of  the  trestles  settled  somewhat,  which  threw  the  bridge 
floor  out  of  level,  so  it  was  necessary  to  adjust  the  trestle  caps  by  means 
of  the  suspension  chains. 

Seven  balks  were  used  to  each  pontoon  bay  instead  of  five,  the  usual 
number. 

Openings  were  made  in  the  bridge  by  removing  bays,  to  let  the  drift- 
wood pass. 

The  bridge  was  held  by  kedge  anchors,  weighing  150  pounds  each, 
cast  up  stream  on  a  line  parallel  to  and  about  150  feet  distant  from  the 
bridge.  Every  other  pontoon  was  thus  anchored;  the  inshore  pontoon 
had  a  cable  fastened  to  each  end  and  fastened  to  stakes  on  shore,  one 
about  thirty  paces  up  and  one  thirty  paces  down  stream  from  the  bridge. 

The  bridge  was  built  in  accordance  with  the  methods  set  forth  in  the 
Pontoon  Manual;  the  pontoon  part  by  the  method  of  "  successive  pon- 
toons." The  following  is  taken  from  the  Pontoon  Manual: 

The  pontooniers  are  formed  and  divided  into  sections  for  constructing  the  bridge, 
which  is  executed  in  the  following  manner: 

A  trench  about  one  foot  in  width  and  depth  is  excavated  to  receive  the  abutment  sill ; 
this  should  be  laid  horizon  tally,  and  exactly  perpendicular  to  the  axis  of  the  bridge  ;  it 
is  secured  by  four  pickets,  two  driven  in  front  and  two  in  rear,  about  eight  inches  from 
each  end. 

A  pontoon  is  brought  up  opposite  to  the  abutment,  and  close  to  the  shore. 

The  two  cable  men  each  drive  a  picket  in  the  river  bank,  one  thirty  paces  above,  and 
the  other  the  same  distance  below,  the  bridge;  to  these  they  make  fast  the  shore  lines, 
the  free  ends  of  which  they  carry  with  them  into  the  pontoon. 

The  front  rank  of  lashers  step  into  the  pontoon,  provide  themselves  with  two  lash- 
ings each,  and  station  themselves  opposite  the  lashing  hooks  facing  toward  the  shore. 

The  balk-carriers  bring  up  five  balks;  one  end  of  each  is  delivered  to  a  lasher,  who 
places  it  with  its  down-stream  edge  over  its  lashing  hook,  and  its  cleat  against  the  outer 
edge  of  the  exterior  gunwale.  He  then  takes  one  turn  with  a  lashing  around  the  balk 
and  hook. 


u.   >. 

si 

il 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,   CAMP   ROOT,    FORT   RILEY.  37 

The  pontoon  is  pushed  off  by  the  balk-carriers  until  they  can  engage  the  cleats  of  the 
shore  ends  on  the  abutment  sill.  The  down-stream  edge  of  the  balk  must  be  over  the 
score  in  the  sill. 

The  cable  men,  under  the  direction  of  the  officer  in  charge,  adjust  the  position  of  the 
pontoon  by  means  of  the  shore  lines,  which  are  then  made  fast  to  the  mooring  posts. 

As  soon  as  the  first  set  of  balks  is  laid,  a  chess  is  placed  on  edge  in  the  trench  above 
mentioned,  and  in  contact  with  the  ends  of  the  balks.  Its  upper  edge  should  be  one 
and  one  half  inches  above  the  balks.  Earth  is  rammed  behind  it,  crowding  it  firmly 
against  the  balks. 

Two  men,  one  standing  on  the  first  and  second,  and  the  other  on  the  fourth  and  fifth 
balks,  receive  the  chess  from  the  chess-carriers,  and  lay  them  with  their  scores  exactly 
in  the  axis  of  the  bridge.  Each  chess  must  be  pushed  firmly  against  that  which  pre- 
cedes it.  The  covering  is  carried  to  within  one  foot  of  the  pontoon. 

The  pontoon  which  has  cast  the  first  up-stream  anchor,  having  dropped  down  to  the 
head  of  the  bridge,  is  entered  by  the  cable  men— the  man  in  the  bow  taking  the  cable 
of  the  up-stream  anchor  which  he  finds  in  it,  the  other  receiving  the  cable  of  a  down- 
stream anchor  from  one  of  the  anchor  detachment.  The  rear  rank  of  the  section  of 
lashers  also  enters  this  pontoon. 

Five  balks  are  brought  up  as  before ;  the  ends  are  delivered  to  the  lashers  in  the 
second  pontoon,  which  is  pushed  off ;  the  shore  ends  of  the  balks  are  delivered  to  the 
lashers  in  the  first  pontoon,  who  place  them  on  the  down-stream  side  and  in  contact 
with  those  of  the  first  set,  their  cleats  ag^ainst  the  outside  of  the  interior  gunwale. 
They  lash  the  balks  firmly  together  and  to  the  lashing  hooks  at  both  gunwales,  and 
then  step  into  the  third  pontoon. 

When  a^ay  is  completely  covered  with  chess,  the  side  rails  are  laid.  They  are  placed 
directly  over  the  outside  balks,  to  which  they  are  lashed  at  three  points — at  the  middle, 
and  immediately  over  the  axis  of  each  pontoon,  at  which  point  the  two  side  rails  and 
balks  of  two  bays  lap  and  are  all  lashed  together.  ,  ' 

To  Dismantle  the  Bridge. — The  material  is  supposed  to  be  transferred  to  the  shore 
opposite  to  that  from  which  the  bridge  was  constructed. 

The  side  rails  are  removed  from  the  first  bay,  and  the  lashings  and  rack-sticks  thrown 
into  the  nearest  pontoon.  This  operation  is  continued,  the  removal  of  the  rails  pre- 
ceding that  of  the  chess  by  one  bay.  , 

The  chess  are  removed  from  the  first  bay  by  two  men  standing  on  the  uncovered  balks, 
who  hand  them  to  the  carriers  to  pile  on  the  shore. 

When  the  first  pontoon  is  uncovered,  the  balk  lashings  are  removed  and  put  into  the 
locker.  The  balk-carriers  drag  the  balks  onto  the  bridge,  shoulder,  and  carry  them  off. 
The  cable  men  detach  the  shore  lines  and  coil  them  in  the  pontoon.  The  abutment  sill 
is  also  placed  in  this  pontoon. 

When  the  second  bay  is  uncovered  and  its  balks  unlashed,  the  latter  are  seized  by  the 
balk-carriers  and  dragged  on  the  bridge.  This  operation  draws  the  first  pontoon  along- 
side of  the  second,  into  which  the  cable  men  step ;  the  first  pontoon  is  then  rowed  across 
the  river  to  the  anchor  section. 

The  up-stream  cable  man  moves  from  each  pontoon  as  it  is  dismantled  into  the  next, 
unmooring  and  turning  over  those  which  are  anchored  to  the  up-stream  anchor  section 
who  weigh  the  anchor  and  row  to  the  shore. 

The  down-stream  anchors  are  weighed  as  soon  as  the  pontoons  to  which  they  are 
attached  are  dismantled. 

Trestle  Bridge  Over  a  Watercourse. — The  abutment  sill  is  laid  in  the  usual  manner, 
and  a  raft  is  constructed  of  two  pontoons,  connected  by  two  balks  lashed  to  the  outer 
lashing  hooks.  The  raft  is  partially  decked  by  laying  chess  between  and  parallel  to  the 
balks,  thus  covering  the  first  pontoon  and  part  of  the  second. 

On  this  raft  the  members  of  the  trestles  are  embarked,  the  caps  and  legs  on  the  balks 
and  over  the  second  pontoon,  the  chains  on  the  deck,  and  the  false  legs  and  shoes  in  the 
bow  and  stern  of  the  first  pontoon.  The  raft  is  brought  opposite  to  the  abutment,  and 
is,  at  the  commencement  of  the  operation,  held  in  position  by  the  cable  men  with  their 
shore  lines ;  afterward,  by  cables  from  up-  and  down-stream  anchors. 

3 — MFR 


38  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

A  trestle  is  assembled  with  its  cap  resting  on  the  ends  of  the  balks  which  overhang 
the  first  pontoon  of  the  raft,  its  legs  horizontal  and  pointing  toward  the  abutment.  The 
trestle  being  righted  and  the  five  abutment  balks  engaged  on  its  cap,  the  raft  is  pushed 
off  and  the  balks  are  engaged  on  the  abutment  sill.  The  position  of  the  trestle  is 
accurately  adjusted  by  the  cable  men,  and  the  legs  are  thrust  down  and  driven  with  a 
maul  into  the  bed  of  the  stream.  To  allow  for  the  tendency  of  the  latter  to  spread  apart 
when  driven  into  the  ground,  they  should,  when  first  touching  bottom,  make  a  less  angle 
with  the  vertical  than  fifteen  degrees.  As  soon  as  the  legs  are  settled  into  place,  the 
chains  are  toggled  and  the  raft  disengaged.  The  remaining  trestles  are  similarly  placed, 
and  the  roadway  is  finished  as  usual. 

Three  regiments  of  infantry,  one  battalion  of  infantry,  two  squadrons 
of  cavalry,  and  two  field  batteries  crossed  the  bridge  in  forty-five 
minutes.  It  must  be  noted,  however,  that  the  organizations,  except  the 
artillery,  were  about  one  half  of  war  strength. 

The  two  field  batteries  crossed  the  bridge  in  ten  minutes;  the  riders 
dismounted  and  led  the  horses. 

A  cavalryman  crossed  in  one  and  three  quarters  minutes. 

The  cavalry  dismounted  in  crossing. 

During  the  crossing  of  the  bridge  by  the  troops,  two  men  sat  in  each 
pontoon,  one  at  each  end.  They  inserted  such  chess  as  were  broken  by 
the  stamping  of  the  horses'  hoofs,  tightened  up  the  lashingl,  and  in 
general  looked  after  the  bridge. 

After  the  troops  had  crossed,  two  pontoon  bays  were  removed,  in 
order  to  show  the  manner  of  dismantling  and  assembling  the  bridge. 
The  command  to  dismantle  being  given  at  4:40  P.  M.,  the  first  boat  was 
freed  at  4:53  p.  M.,  and  rowed  ashore.  The  second  boat  was  freed  at 
4:57  P.  M.,  and  was  pulled  to  its  up-stream  anchor  and  held  there.  All 
the  material  for  the  two  bays  had  been  removed  on  shore.  There  was 
now  nearly  a  forty-foot  opening  in  the  bridge.  At  4:58  P.  M.  the  com- 
mand to  assemble  the  bridge  was  given,  and  at  5:27  p.  M.  the  two  bays 
were  finished  and  the  bridge  was  intact  again. 

The  bridge  was  thrown  across  the  river  in  twelve  hours,  but  I  was 
informed  by  Captain  Clement  A.  F.  Flagler,  .Corps  of  Engineers,  com- 
manding Company  "  C,"  who  built  the  bridge,  that  it  could  have  been 
done  in  considerably  less  time  if  he  had  had  a  larger  force;  also,  that 
the  same  force  could  build  it  quicker,  having  this  experience. 

The  bridge  was  dismantled  and  material  piled  on  shore  in  two  'hours. 

Double  Lock  Spar  Bridge. 

A  double  lock  spar  bridge,  45  feet  long  (having  three  15-foot 
bays),  was  thrown  across  a  ravine  in  three  hours  by  thirty  men,  the 
material  having  been  previously  cut  and  assembled.  The  material 
used  was  cut  in  the  vicinity.  This  bridge  was  built  of  trees,  from  6  to 
12  inches  in  diameter,  cut  in  lengths  from  12  to  20  feet,  and  trimmed 
free  from  branches,  and  lashed  with  ropes.  The  trestle  consisted  of  two 
long  tree  trunks,  or  legs,  lashed  with  a  cross-piece  at  the  bottom 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  39 

("ledger")  on  the  side  next  to  the  ravine,  and  a  cross-piece  ("bridge 
transom")  at  about  the  height  of  the  floor,  which  was  placed  on  the 
side  next  to  the  bank.  Two  braces,  5  inches  in  diameter,  were  placed 
diagonally  across  the  legs,  between  the  transom  and  the  ledger.  The 
trestles  were  assembled  on  the  ground,  and  when  placed  in  the  bridge 
leaned  toward  the  center  of  the  ravine,  so  that  they  were  15  feet  apart 
at  the  floor  line  and  about  25  feet  apart  where  they  were  placed  on  the 
ground  in  the  holes  dug  for  the  legs.  Two  logs  ("straining  beams"), 
about  20  feet  long  and  12  inches  in  diameter,  were  thrown  across  the 
top  pieces  ("bridge  transom")  of  both  trestles  inside  the  legs,  and  fast- 
ened against  the  legs.  Across  these  straining  beams  and  against  the 
trestle  legs  on  the  sides  farthest  from  the  abutments,  two  logs  ("floor 
transoms")  about  12  feet  long  were  placed.  Upon  these  floor  transoms 
and  parallel  to  the  axis  of  the  bridge  were  placed  seven  balks  to  each 
bay,  which  were  logs  about  20  feet  long  and  8  inches  diameter.  On 
top  of  these  balks,  laid  crosswise  and  close  together,  were  placed  the 
chess  or  flooring,  consisting  of  logs  about  12  feet  long  and  4  inches 
diameter.  This  finished  the  bridge.  Soil  and  grass  were  then  thrown 
upon  the  flooring. 

A  set  of  maps  was  made,  under  the  direction  of  Second  Lieutenant 
Nathaniel  E.  Bower,  Corps  of  Engineers,  Company  "A,"  First  Battalion 
of  Engineers,  of  the  route  taken  by  the  battalion  from  Fort  Leavenworth 
to  Fort  Riley,  a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  miles.  The 
maps  showed  surveys  of  over  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles  of  roads,  to 
a  scale  of  three  inches  to  one  mile.  These  maps  are  made  on  cavalry 
sketch  pads,  by  mounted  men,  detailed  for  that  purpose.  On  each  pad 
is  a  scale  which  divides  a  mile  into  time  periods  to  correspond  with  the 
time  taken  by  a  horse  to  walk  that  distance.  A  compass  is  set  in  the 
pad  frame  to  determine  direction,  and  a  clinometer  to  determine  grades. 
At  the  end  of  the  day's  march,  the  sketches  made  are  placed  in  their 
proper  order  and  orientated  upon  a  stiff  piece  of  paper  upon  which  they 
are  pasted.  The  rough  office  map  showed  a  regular  patchwork  where 
the  different  pieces  had  been  placed  together  on  the  large  sheet.  A 
tracing  was  then  made,  producing  the  finished  map.  These  maps 
showed  all  natural  and  artificial  objects  by  conventional  signs;  the  rate 
and  direction  of  the  grade  of  the  roads  were  indicated  by  percentages 
and  arrows,  which  were  marked  on  the  side  of  the  road. 

A  lecture  was  given  by  Captain  James  B.  Cavanaugh,  Corps  of 
Engineers,  commanding  Company  "D,"  First  Battalion  of  Engineers, 
explanatory  of  the  model  intrenchments  which  had  been  built  by  a 
detail  from  one  of  the  companies  of  the  battalion. 

The  trenches  built  were  the  skirmish,  kneeling,  and  standing, 
developed  into  shrapnel  and  shell  trenches.  The  revetments  used  were 


40  MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

the  gabion,  hurdle,  and  sand-bag.     A  sand-bag  loop-hole  was  likewise 
shown. 

Fascines  were  made  and  bound  with  wire.  This  naturally  explained 
the  fascine  rack  and  chocker.  The  construction  of  the  gabion  and 
hurdles  was  also  explained.  High-wire  and  low-wire  entanglements 
were  built. 

A  white  line  marked  at  two-pace  intervals  was  laid  upon  the  ground 
to  trace  a  proposed  intrenchment.  A  detail  of  men  with  picks  and 
shovels  was  then  distributed,  one  man  to  each  interval.  This  was 
explanatory  of  the  manner  in  which  a  half  company  of  engineers  could 
intrench  an  entire  company  in  twenty  minutes. 

Being  detained  I  heard  only  a  small  part  of  this  lecture,  and  hence 
lost  the  opportunity  of  taking  a  great  many  valuable  notes. 

On  the  march  from  Fort  Leavenworth  to  Fort  Riley,  shelter  tents 
were  pitched  for  the  men,  and  wall  tents  for  the  officers,  and  in  some 
cases  a  conical  wall  tent  for  each  company,  to  hold  stores,  etc. 

From  the  sound  of  reveille  the  train  was  ready  to  move  in  one  hour 
and  forty  minutes. 

Revolvers  are  part  of  equipment,  but  are  not  issued  to  dismounted 
men  in  time  of  peace. 

The  mounted  men  were  all  armed  with  the  new  .30-caliber  carbine, 
lately  issued. 

The  engineers  built  the  trenches  and  pits  occupied  by  the  infantry  and 
artillery  during  the  maneuvers. 

I  wish  to  express  my  thanks  to  Major  Smith  S.  Leach,  Corps  of 
Engineers,  commanding  First  Battalion  of  Engineers,  and  to  the  follow- 
ing officers  of  his  command:  Captain  Clement  A.  F.  Flagler,  commanding 
Company  UC";  Captain  James  B.  Cavanaugh,  commanding  Company 
"  D";  First  Lieutenant  Harry  Burgess,  adjutant,  and  Second  Lieutenant 
Nathaniel  E.  Bower,  topographical  officer,  for  maps,  data,  etc.,  and 
many  courtesies  extended. 

FIELD  ARTILLEKY. 

I  visited  the  camp  of  the  artillery  and  found  that  the  Kansas  bat- 
teries had  left  for  home,  their  time  allowed  for  the  maneuvers  having 
expired,  the  Twenty-eighth  Battery,  U.  S.  A.,  being  the  only  one  in 
camp.  The  Sixth,  Seventh,  Nineteenth,  and  Twentieth  were  in  their 
quarters  at  the  Post,  and  no  time  was  available  to  visit  them. 

The  Twenty-eighth  Battery,  Field  Artillery,  is  one  of  three  batteries 
in  the  U.  S.  Army  which  carries  the  Vickers-Maxim  quick-firing  moun- 
tain gun  of  seventy-five  mm.  (about  three  inches)  caliber. 

The  organization  consisted  of  one  captain,  one  first  lieutenant,  two 
second  lieutenants,  three  staff  sergeants,  six  duty  sergeants,  twelve 
corporals  (six  of  whom  acted  as  gunners  and  six  as  ammunition  cor- 


B 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  41 

porals),  four  artificers,  two  musicians,  one  civilian  packer,  and  two 
cooks;  having  altogether  ninety-five  men  for  duty,  besides  fifty-six 
mules,  sixteen  horses,  and  four  six-mule  wagons. 

The   train   was    divided  into  three  platoons  of  two  sections   each. 
One  section  consisted  of  one  chief  of  section,  who  was  a  sergeant  gunner,  t 
one  ammunition  corporal,  seven  cannoneers  for  service  of  piece,  and 
five  drivers,  four  mules  to  each  piece,  and  four  mules  for  ammunition. 

The  six  guns  carried  were  of  a  type  specially  designed  with  reference 
to  mountain  warfare. 

The  gun  when  limbered  weighs  about  815  pounds,  has  wheels  3  feet 
in  diameter  and  32  inches  width  of  track.  It  has  a  range  up  to  4,000 
yards,  which  takes  about  seventeen  seconds  for  time  of  flight  of  pro- 
jectile. 

Five  kinds  of  fixed  ammunition  were  carried:  common,  double  com- 
mon, cannister,  shrapnel,  and  ring  shells.  Common,  shrapnel,  and  ring 
shells  weigh  12^  pounds  each,  cannisier  15  pounds,  and  double  common 
shell  18  pounds. 

The  gun  and  its  equipment  for  purposes  of  transportation  were  divided 
into  four  parts  and  loaded  upon  mules  having  specially  designed  pack 
saddles.  The  pack  saddles  weigh  51  pounds  each,  and  the  loads  average 
about  250  pounds  each,  making  total  weight  carried  by  one  mule  about 
300  pounds.  Four  mules  carried  the  ammunition  on  similar  pack  sad- 
dles. Each  mule  was  loaded  with  twelve  shells,  carried  in  ammunition- 
carriers,  holding  three  rounds  each,  and  the  weight,  including  pack 
saddle,  varied  from  285  to  317  pounds,  dependent  upon  the  class  of 
ammunition  carried. 

The  gun  was  unpacked  and  put  in  action  in  eight  minutes.  It  took 
a  little  longer  time  to  pack  it. 

A  pair  of  light  shafts  are  carried,  so  as  to  enable  the  mule  to  pull  the 
gun  (when  limbered)  over  the  ground. 

During  the  maneuvers  the  range  was  determined  by  the  aid  of  Weldon 
range-finders. 

SIGNAL  CORPS. 

The  detachment  of  the  Signal  Corps  present  at  Camp  Root  consisted 
of  five  officers  and  seventy-six  men;  Captain  Edward  B.  Ives  acting  as 
general  signal  officer,  Captain  Daniel  J.  Carr  in  command,  and  three 
first  lieutenants,  one  of  whom  was  acting  property  officer  and  adjutant. 
All  the  officers  and  about  one  half  the  men  were  mounted. 

'  The  apparatus  used  by  the  Signal  Corps  during  the  maneuvers  was 
as  follows:  The  visual  apparatus  comprised  flags  as  described  in  Myer'a 
Manual,  four  Colt's  acetylene  lamps  for  night  signals,  bombs  and  rockets. 
The  electrical  apparatus  consisted  of  the  signal  corps  service  telephone 
and  switchboard,  the  field  telegraph  train  as  described  in  Myer's  Manual, 
the  ordinary  commercial  Morse  apparatus,  field  glasses  of  various  types, 


42  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT   RILEY. 

portable  searchlight,  automobile,  and  three  bicycles.  The  flags  were 
the  ordinary  ones  employed  in  the  wigwag  system. 

The  Colt's  acetylene  flash  lantern  was  employed  for  night  signals. 
The  flash  is  produced  by  means  of  a  key  which  causes  a  full  flame  to 
burst  forth  in  the  lantern  for  the  length  of  time  the  key  is  pressed  down; 
when  the  pressure  is  removed  the  light  reduces  to  a  minute  jet,  not  visi- 
ble to  the  receiving  station.  It  is  carried  in  three  leather  cases,  one 
holding  the  tripod,  one  the  generator,  and  the  third  the  flash  lantern, 
reading  lamp,  and  remaining  parts.  It  is  assembled  on  an  extension 
tripod,  with  the  flash  lantern  on  top,  the  generator  attached  to  the  legs 
beneath  the  lantern,  and  the  reading  lamp  is  placed  on  one  leg  near  the 
lantern.  The  signals  can  be  seen  up  to  thirty  miles  with  an  ordinary 
field  glass. 

Each  signal  station  was  supplied  with  one  telescope  mounted  on  a 
tripod,  and  two  field  glasses.  The  field  glasses  used  had  a  small  com- 
pass on  top. 

The  smoke-ball  rocket. had  an  explosive  sound  at  its  maximum  height 
of  about  350  feet,  and  emitted  a  dense  volume  of  smoke.  This  bomb 
necessarily  meant  one  conventional  signal,  and  was  fired  from  a  mortar. 
It  was  used  to  indicate  the  noon  hour  and  also  the  finish  of  the  day's 
problem  during  the  field  maneuvers. 

The  sequence  rockets  are  small  discs  attached  to  a  pilot  rocket.  Four 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  conventional  signals  are  represented  by  no 
more  than  two  rockets,  red  and  white  in  color.  Red  represents  U2"  and 
white  "1"  in  the  alphabet  of  the  Myer's  code.  Four  places  are  used. 

The  corps  installed  a  telegraph  line  from  the  railroad  station  at  Fort 
Riley  post  to  a  central  office  at  Headquarters.  The  wire  was  strung 
upon  poles  made  out  of  2-inch  pipe  about  20  feet  long,  with  iron  cross- 
arms  which  held  the  insulators.  This  line  used  the  commercial  Morse 
system  of  telegraphy.  The  central  office  at  Headquarters  contained  the 
switchboard,  and  was  connected  with  the  headquarters  of  each  organi- 
zation by  telephone. 

The  telephone  wires  were  stretched  upon  lances  made  of  wood  2  inches 
in  diameter  and  about  20  feet  long,  which  had  insulators  screwed  on 
top.  Thirty  poles  to  the  mile  were  used.  An  ordinary  line  is  strung 
at  .the  rate  of  two  miles  per  hour,  but  can  be  played  out  up  to  four 
miles  per  hour.  In  crossing  roads  two  lances  are  strapped  together  with 
iron  bands  tightened  with  bolts. 

The  telephone  employed  was  the  portable  field  telephone,  and  No.  14 
galvanized  wire  was  used. 

An  instrument  carried  in  a  small  leather  pouch  designed  to  be  slung 
over  the  shoulder,  called  a  cavalry  buzzer,  is  so  arranged  that  telegraph 
and  telephone  messages  can  be  sent  with  it.  The  wire  is  laid  upon  the 
ground,  and  the  current  is  supplied  from  a  battery  of  four  small  cells. 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,   CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  43 

The  wire  is  very  light  copper,  is  put  up  in  half-mile  lengths  on  small 
hand  reels  about  four  inches  in  diameter,  and  is  laid  by  a  man  on 
horseback,  who  carries  three  reels  in  his  saddle  pouches  while  he  strings 
the  fourth.  One  man  can  thus  lay  two  miles  of  wire.  This  instrument 
was  employed  in  the  Philippines,  and  worked  through  twenty  miles  of 
wire  laid  over  rice  paddies.  The  copper  wire  is  usually  abandoned 
after  laying. 

The  field  train  had  lance  wagons  (capacity,  two  hundred  lances 
each) — one  lance  wagon  was  fitted  to  serve  as  a  telephone  and  telegraph 
office— coils  of  wire,  insulators,  picks,  shovels  especially  suited  for 
digging  post-holes,  etc. 

Small  pocket  repair  kits  containing  nippers,  knife,  and  screwdriver 
were  carried  by  some  of  the  men. 

The  detachment  had  its  own  kitchen  and  cooks. 

A  searchlight  of  60,000  candlepower,  with  plant,  was  carried  upon 
three  caisson  trucks,  distributed  as  follows:  The  light  and  controller 
upon  one  truck,  the  engine,  dynamo,  and  cable  upon  a  second,  and  the 
boiler  upon  a  third.  The  boiler  was  an  18-horsepower  portable  type, 
rigged  upon  a  caisson  truck,  which  was  unlimbered,  leaving  the  pintle 
resting  on  blocking  when  plant  is  in  use. 

A  second  caisson  carried  one  13-horsepower  engine  and  one  direct- 
current  dynamo;  1,200  feet  of  insulated  cable  was  reeled  on  the  forward 
truck.  The  engine  was  connected  with  the  dynamo,  and  the  cable 
carried  the  current  from  the  dynamo  to  an  electrical  device  called  a 
controller,  from  which  the  searchlight  was  operated.  Steam  was  sup- 
plied from  the  boiler  to  the  engine  by  means  of  pipes. 

The  searchlight  was  moved  by  two  small  dynamos  placed  beneath  it, 
which  responded  to  the  controller,  with  which  they  are  connected  by 
100  feet  of  cable.  The  light  is  operated  from  the  controller,  which  must 
be  some  distance  from  the  light  to  enable  the  operator  to  see  what  he  is 
doing,  otherwise  the  light  blinds  him.  The  controller  is  connected  to 
the  dynamo  by  means  of  the  1.200  feet  of  cable  carried  on  its  caisson. 

This  plant  was  used  to  supply  the  electric  light  for  Headquarters  and 
the  mess  hall.  When  used  for  a  lighting  plant  the  dynamo  had  a 
capacity  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  lights  of  16-candlepower  each. 

The  automobile  employed  was  a  Peerless  gasoline  of  26-horsepower, 
and  had  been  in  use  two  months.  It  cost  $2,700,  and  it  was  claimed 
that  after  making  about  five  thousand  miles  it  would  require  a  general 
overhauling.  It  made  an  average  speed  of  thirty-two  miles  per  hour 
over  country  roads,  and  can  go  forty-two  miles  per  hour.  It  used  about 
ten  gallons  of  gasoline  in  running  eighty-five  miles,  and  used  more  fuel 
on  slow  speed  than  on  high  speed  per  mile.  This  machine  was  used  by 
Generals  Greely  and  MacArthur  at  the  Army  and  Navy  maneuvers 
during  September,  1902,  in  New  London,  Conn. 


44  MANEUVER   DIVISION,   CAMP   ROOT,   FORT   RILEY. 

The  detachment  established  the  telegraph  and  telephone  lines  upon 
the  maneuver  field  for  each  day's  problem,  as  well  as  transmitting 
messages  by  the  aid  of  flags. 

I  wish  to  express  my  thanks  to  Captain  Edward  B.  Ives,  Captain 
Daniel  J.  Carr,  First  Lieutenant  Richard  0.  Rickard,  and  First  Lieu- 
tenant Alfred  T.  Clifton,  Signal  Corps,  for  many  courtesies  extended. 

INFANTRY  CAMP. 

The  infantry  was  placed  on  both  sides  of  a  long  street  280  feet  wide. 
In  this  street,  and  100  feet  from  each  side,  the  sinks  were  placed  in  two 
lines,  thus  leaving  a  central  street  between  the  sinks  80  feet  wide. 
This  long  street  was  at  the  foot  of  each  organization's  camp.  The  com- 
pany streets  were  60  feet  wide;  officers'  streets  were  80  feet  wide; 
regimental  streets  were  80  feet  wide.  There  was  no  extra  space  allowed 
to  separate  the  battalions,  each  street  having  the  same  width  for  the  entire 
regiment.  Captain  Chauncey  B.  Baker,  Chief  Quartermaster,  informed 
me  that  if  possible  it  is  desirable  to  double  these  distances.  All  kitchens 
were  at  the  head  of  the  company  and  next  to  the  officers'  streets.  The 
sinks  were  at  the  foot  of  the  company  street  and  100  feet  distant  from 
the  nearest  tent.  This  arrangement  separated  kitchens  and  sinks  as 
far  as  possible. 

The  water  supply  was  ample  and  good  and  was  drawn  from  the  Post 
waterworks.  Water  was  piped  to  all  commands,  the  hydrant  being  at 
the  head  of  the  company  street.  Wall  tents  were  used  for  officers,  and 
Sibly  wall  tents  for  men.  As  a  rule,  the  furnishings  of  an  officer's  tent 
consisted  of  one  cot,  one  folding  chair  and  table,  one  roll  of  bedding, 
and  one  small,  flat  trunk.  The  band  was  placed  on  a  company  street 
on  the  right  flank  of  the  regiment. 

The  regimental  hospitals  were  generally  placed  on  the  flank  and  at 
some  distance  to  the  rear  of  the  regimental  headquarters.  The  most 
suitable  place  was  chosen.  Sibly  stoves  were  used  for  heating  tents, 
which  were  placed  in  the  center  of  the  Sibly  tents,  and  at  the  front  or 
the  back  of  the  wall  tents,  in  which  case  the  stoves  were  tilted  a  little 
to  let  the  pipe  through  the  tents,  as  no  elbows  were  furnished.  Some 
coal-oil  stoves  were  used  by  officers,  but  the  smoke  and  smell  were  very 
annoying. 

The  Sibly  tents,  pitched  with  10- foot  intervals,  held  ten  cavalrymen 
each,  and  twelve  infantrymen,  the  men  sleeping  with  their  feet  to  the 
center  of  the  tent.  Straw  was  used  by  them  to  lay  their  bedding  on. 
All  tents  were  properly  trenched.  The  sinks  were  likewise  protected. 
One  sink,  which  had  been  filled  with  water,  was  abandoned,  and  a  new 
one  dug  near  it. 

The  food  of  the  camp  was  the  regular  garrison  ration.  I  noted  that 
the  kitchens  and  vicinity  were  clean,  slops  thrown  into  the  barrels  and 


MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  45 

covers  put  over  them.  The  utensils  that  were  hung  up  were  all  clean 
and  no  dirty  dish-rags  were  lying  around.  The  cooks  looked  clean. 
Some  of  the  boxes  in  the  kitchens  had  the  appearance  of  being  too  large 
and  cumbersome.  Smaller  and  easier  handled  ones  would  have  been 
desirable. 

The  First  and  Second  Kansas  National  Guard  Regiments  had  the 
following  officers  detailed  for  duty  with  them :  Captain  Benjamin  Alvord, 
Twentieth  Infantry,  as  adjutant  general;  Captain  Harry  C.  Hale,  Twen- 
tieth Infantry,  as  inspector  general;  Major  Henry  P.  Birmingham, 
Surgeon  Medical  Department,  as  brigade  surgeon.  Whilst  their  camp 
was  in  first-class  condition,  I  noted  that  especial  pains  had  been  taken 
by  the  men,  as  follows:  Trenches  were  dug  to  drain  each  company  street, 
and  all  the  tents  were  ditched  and  drained  into  the  main  company 
ditches,  which  carried  all  water  outside  of  the  camp.  These  trenches 
were  evenly  dug  to  a  line. 

While  in  some  camps,  owing  to  th«  men  washing  at  the  hydrants,  the 
vicinity  thereof  was  muddy,  the  Kansans  had  placed  barrels  in  line  with 
each  company's  tent  row,  in  the  center  of  the  street  next  to  the  sinks, 
from  which  the  men  dipped  out  their  water  in  basins  and  washed, 
scattering  the  soiled  water  in  the  street. 

As  these  organizations  left  camp  before  the  close  of  the  maneuvers,  I 
examined  their  camp  site  after  they  had  left  the  ground,  and  found  that 
every  regulation  had  been  complied  with — no  stakes  sticking  in  ground 
or  lying  loose,  rubbish  all  burnt  and  fires  out,  sinks  filled  in,  trenches 
filled  up,  etc. 

CAVALRY  CAMP. 

The  cavalry  was  encamped  with  the  picket  line  in  the  center  of  the 
troop  street,  which  was  90  feet  wide,  and  the  horse  equipment  covered 
with  pouches  was  placed  on  the  ground  on  a  line  between  the  tents  and 
the  picket  line.  Some  troops  had  racks,  over  which  the  equipment  was 
thrown.  Their  general  arrangement  of  camp  was  similar  to  that  of  the 
infantry.  Water-troughs,  some  of  wood  and  some  of  sheet  iron,  were 
placed  at  the  head  of  the  troop  streets.  During  the  wet  and  rainy 
weather  the  horses  were  moved  from  the  troop  streets  and  picketed  on 
higher  ground,  as  the  mud  into  which  the  manure  was  tramped  became 
very  deep  and  troublesome. 

Brigadier  General  J.  A.Wiley,  Pennsylvania  National  Guard,  informed 
me  that  he  carried  flies  and  kept  the  animals  of  his  command  under 
them  during  his  service  in  the  late  Spanish  war.  This  protected  the 
animals  and  the  ground  upon  which  they  stood.  The  animals  of 
adjoining  commands,  which  were  out  in  the  cold  and  rain  without 
shelter,  did  not  begin  to  compare  with  his  in  appearance,  health,  and 
vigor.  It  was  claimed  that  this  method  of  treatment  hardened  the 


46  MANEUVER   DIVISION,   CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY. 

stock,  but  the  number  of  sick  horses  in  Troop  K,  Eighth  Cavalry,  which 

1  especially  noted  after  the  wet  and  cold  nights,  would  at  least  justify 
a  trial  of  General  Wiley's  method.     The  loss  in  stock  would  fully  reim- 
burse the  extra  expenditure  for  shelter,  and  the  extra  weight  of  baggage 
could  more  easily  be  carried  in  the  wagon  by  animals  in  good  condition 
than  those  same  animals  in  poor  condition  could  transport  the  baggage 
without  the  extra. 

SANITATION. 

Sinks  and  Sink  Frames. — The  sinks  were  trenches  dug   6   feet  deep, 

2  feet  wide,  6  feet  long  for  officers ;  12  feet  long  for  men. 

The  sink  frame  placed  over  the  sink  was  built  of  wood  and  had  the 
following  dimensions :  For  the  officers  6  feet  long,  for  the  men  12  feet, 
2-|  feet  wide,  and  22  inches  high.  The  top  of  this  frame  was  divided  by 
pieces  5  inches  wide  into  divisions,  triangular  in  shape,  having  a  width 
of  14  inches  at  the  front  and  nothing  at  the  rear,  so  that  there  were 
seats  on  both  sides,  affording  five  seats  for  officers  and  ten  seats  for 
the  men.  The  frame  had  the  bottom  cross-pieces  4  feet  wide,  so  as  to 
span  the  trench.  A  6-foot  frame  had  two  cross-pieces,  one  at  each  end, 
and  a  12-foot  frame  had  three,  one  being  placed  across  the  center  in 
addition  to  the  end  ones. 

All  sinks  in  the  case  of  the  officers  were  covered  with  a  wall  tent;  in 
the  case  of  the  men  most  of  them  were  inclosed  by  boughs,  and  in  some 
cases  covered  with  them ;  a  few  were  covered  by  tents.  In  one  case  an 
oil  can  was  placed  beneath  the  frame  so  as  to  serve  as  a  urinal.  One 
objection  to  the  form  of  the  seats  was  that  they  were  soiled  by  the  men 
urinating.  This  could  have  been  avoided  by  leaving  one  end  of  the 
frame  next  to  the  entrance  of  the  sink  inclosure  open  at  the  top  (i.  e.,  no 
seat  slats).  Urinal  cans  in  the  shape  of  old  five-gallon  coal-oil  cans 
were  placed  one  to  each  Sibly  tent  at  dusk,  where  they  remained  until 
reveille,  for  the  use  of  the  men  during  the  night,  as  experience  has 
shown  that  the  men  will  not  go  to  the  sink  for  that  purpose  after  dark. 
In  the  morning  these  cans  were  emptied  into  the  sink,  were  kept  at  the 
sink  during  the  day,  and  were  treated  with  lime. 

The  inspection  of  these  sinks  was  made  daily,  and  the  companies 
were  not  dismissed  from  morning  parade  until  either  a  field  officer  or 
the  regimental  adjutant  had  inspected  the  same  and  found  them  sat- 
isfactory. 

Policing. — All  sinks  were  policed  as  follows:  Twice  a  day,  one  hour 
after  breakfast  and  one  hour  after  supper,  straw  was  placed  about 
three  inches  thick  in  the  sink,  over  which  was  sprinkled  about  one 
quart  of  crude  petroleum  per  sink,  and  then  the  sink  was  burned  out. 
A  little  quicklime  was  used  after  each  burning,  after  which  a  little 
earth  was  thrown  in. 


MANEUVER    DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT    RILEY.  47 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  S.  C.  Mills,  Inspector 
General,  Maneuver  Division,  I  accompanied  him  on  a  tour  of  inspection 
of  the  sinks  of  the  entire  camp.  I  did  not  notice  any  smell  whatever,  and 
moreover  very  few  flies  were  seen.  Whether  the  cold  weather  had 
something  to  do  with  the  flies  I  could  not  say.  However,  I  noted  quite 
a  few  flies  around  the  kitchens. 

It  may  be  instructive  to  note  that  the  inspector  first  called  at  the 
headquarters  of  the  officer  whose  command  he  was  about  to  inspect  as  a 
matter  of  courtesy,  as  well  as  to  enable  the  inspector  to  inform  him  or 
his  representative  what  he  required  done  and  for  explanations,  etc. 

Garbage. — The  garbage  was  removed  twice  daily:  after  breakfast,  and 
after  supper;  and  the  general  instruction  was  to  the  effect  that  only  dry 
garbage  was  to  be  removed,  which  was  done  as  nearly  as  possible.  It 
was  taken  about  one  mile  from  camp  and  buried  in  trenches,  which  were 
dug  to  a  depth  of  6  feet.  The  garbage  was  collected  from  two  hundred 
circular  cans  about  18  inches  diameter  and  about  36  inches  high, 
made  out  of  galvanized  iron  and  having  a  cover. 

All  garbage  cans  were  placed  back  of  the  kitchen,  and  on  the  line  of 
the  officers'  street,  to  facilitate  inspection.  The  wagons  made  the  rounds 
of  the  camp,  and  the  cans  above  noted  were  emptied  into  barrels  carried 
on  the  wagons.  The  total  garbage  handled  amounted  to  3,840  barrels 
of  fifty  gallons  capacity  each.  The  force  necessary  to  handle  this  quan- 
tity varied,  from  one  foreman,  one  team,  and  two  laborers,  to  one  fore- 
man, eight  teams,  and  fourteen  laborers.  The  Chief  Quartermaster  had 
charge  of  this  work,  which  was  done  by  a  local  contractor. 

NATIONAL  GUARD  OFFICERS. 

The  following  National  Guard  officers,  representing  twenty-two  States 
and  Territories,  registered  at  the  bureau  of  information.  Some  of  these 
officers  had  served  in  the  war  of  '61,  nearly  all  had  served  in  the  late 
Spanish  war,  and  some  are  graduates  of  West  Point,  who,  having 
resigned  from  the  regular  service,  still  keep  up  their  interest  in  military 
tactics : 

Name.  Rank.  Organization.  Address. 

Armour,  Dryce  D Major Brigade,  R.  I.  Militia Providence,  R.  I. 

Archer,  Harry  L Colonel Nebraska  N.  G Beatrice,  Neb. 

Bowman,  S.  A Lieut.  Colonel. -3d  Infy.,  Indiana  N.  G _..  Waterloo,  Ind. 

Brown,  George  H Adjt.  General  ..Michigan  N.  G .Port  Huron,  Mich. 

Burlingame,  E.  P Brig.  General..  Oklahoma  N.  G Guthrie,  O.  T. 

Brooks,  W.  R Captain Nebraska  N.  G _..  Fremont,  Neb. 

Billings,  Samuel  Colonel Oklahoma  N.  G Guthrie,  0.  T. 

Byrd,  P.  G Colonel Georgia  N.  G /..Atlanta,  Ga. 

Barry,  P.  H .General A.  G.,  Nebraska  N.  G .Lincoln,  Neb. 

Home  address,  Greeley  Center,  Neb. 

Cole,  George  M ._ A.  G.,  Connecticut  N.  G Hartford,  Conn. 

Coleman,  William  J.  ..Major Indiana  N.  G New  Albany,  Ind. 

Coulter,  Thomas  B Major Indiana  N.  G Vincennes,  Ind' 


48  MANEUVER   DIVISION,    CAMP    ROOT,    FORT   RILEY. 

Name.  Rank.  Organization.  Address. 

Drew,  Jr.,  O.  C.  . Major .A.  A.  G.,  Texas  Vol.  Gd Houston,  Texas. 

Darling,  Charles  H Colonel 6th  Infy.,  Mass.  V.  M ..  Boston,  Mass. 

Dally,  B.  H Major 1st  Infy.,  Wisconsin N.  G... Milwaukee,  Wis. 

Dockweiler,  J.  H ..Major Eng.  Officer  1st  Brig.,  Cal.N.G...  Los  Angeles,  CaL 

Donovin,  G.  B Colonel Ohio  N.  G Columbus,  Ohio. 

Douglass,  E.  G Captain Oklahoma  N.  G Guthrie,  O.  T. 

Falls,  DeWitt  Clinton.Captain Adjt.  7th  Reg.,  N.Y.N.G., New  York  City. 

Fee,  James  F _. Lieut.  Colonel  ..1st  Infy.,  Indiana  N.  G Greencastle,  Ind. 

Gilmore,  C.  0.  M General New  Jersey  N.  G Trenton,  N.  J. 

Gilkyson,  F.  G. Major New  Jersey  N.  G Trenton,  N.  J. 

Hutchings,  Henry Colonel,. 1st  Texas  Infy Austin,  Texas. 

Huguenin,  E.  D Colonel 2d  Infy.,  Georgia  N.  G Macon,  Ga. 

Harrison,  Joseph  R Major 3d  Infy.,  Indiana  N.  G Columbia  City,  Ind. 

Holland,  W.  L Captain "A"  Troop,  Nebraska  N.G....  South  Omaha,  Neb. 

Jayne,  E.H.... ..Major Oklahoma  N.  G ...Guthrie,  O.T. 

Landstreet,  John Captain,  C.  8 Virginia  N.  G Richmond,  Va. 

Louden,  T.  J .Major  1st  Infy.,  Indiana  N.  G Bloomington,  Ind. 

Miller,  E.  S... Brig.  General.. .A.  G.,  North  Dakota  N.G Bismarck,  N.  D. 

Mead,  H.  E Colonel ...Ohio  N.G Dayton,  Ohio. 

MacDonald,  Clay  C Major 4th  Infy.,  Missouri  N.  G St.  Joseph,  Mo. 

McCoy,  George  W. Colonel 1st  Infy.,  Indiana  N.  G Vincennes,  Ind. 

McGurrin,  William  T.. Colonel 2d  Infy.,  Michigan  N.  G..-  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

Racer,  F.  H Captain Oklahoma  N.  G ...Guthrie,  O.T. 

Stacy,  William  H Major  General. .Commanding  Div.  T.  V.  G. Austin,  Texas. 

Saunders,  John  S General A.  G.,  Maryland  N.G Annapolis,  Md. 

Stevenson,  F.  E Major ..Artillery,  Indiana  N.  G Rockville,  Ind. 

Tanner,  Herbert  S Brig.  General... Brigade,  R.  I.  Militia Providence,  R.  I. 

Thomason,  Robert  U... Colonel 3d  Infy.,  Georgia  N.  G _ Madison,  Ga. 

Tilgman,  B.  C. Major ..Pennsylvania  N.  G - Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Whiteman,  W.  H Brig.  General. ..A.  G.,  New  Mexico  N.  G Santa  Fe,  N.  M. 

Wiley,  John  A Brig.  General... Pennsy  1  vania  N.  G Franklin,  Pa. 

Whitney,  J.  H Brig.  General.. -Massachusetts  V.  M Boston,  Mass. 

Webster,  Irving  E.  ....Colonel 2d  Infy., Florida  N.  G Gainsville,  Fla. 

Young,  Ed  ward  C Colonel 1st  Cavalry,  Illinois  N.  G Chicago,  111. 

Yoder Captain Nebraska  N.  G Wymore,  Neb. 

This  list  does  not  include  the  officers  from  Colorado  and  Kansas  who 
were  in  camp  with  their  organizations;  counting  these,  there  were 
twenty-four  States  and  Territories  represented. 

The  following  resolutions  were  adopted  and  signed  by  the  visiting 
National  Guard  officers: 

CAMP  ROOT,  FORT  RILEY,  KANS., 
October  7,  1902. 

WHERBAS,  We,  the  undersigned  officers  of  the  National  Guard  of  the  various  States 
and  Territories  of  the  Union,  detailed  by  the  Governors  of  the  respective  States  and 
Territories  (twenty-one  of  which  are  here  represented),  in  compliance  with  the  request 
of  the  Honorable  Secretary  of  War,  to  witness  the  maneuvers  of  the  Regular  Army  and 
National  Guard  forces,  assembled  in  camp  of  instruction  at  Camp  Root,  Fort  Riley, 
Kans.,  having  observed  the  different  military  problems  daily;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  Fy-st— That  we  desire  to  thank  the  Honorable  Secretary  of  War  for  permit- 
ting us  to  witness  the  maneuvers  from  which  we  have  derived  so  much  benefit. 

Second— That  we  desire  to  express  our  thanks  to  Major  General  John  C.  Bates,  U.  S. 
Army,  commander  of  the  maneuver  division,  and  his  staff,  for  their  unfailing  courtesies 
to  us  at  all  times,  thus  enabling  us  to  perform  our  tours  of  duty  most  satisfactorily. 

Third— That  we  desire  to  thank  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant 
General,  U.  S.  Army,  chief  umpire,  for  the  instruction  he  has  given  us,  and  for  his  able 


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MANEUVER    DIVISION,    C*ArP    ROOT,    FORT    RrLEv.  49 

discussion  of  the  various  problems,  and  for  his  most  practical  and  brilliant  lecture  on 
military  strategy. 

Fourth— We  desire  further  to  commend  the  policy  of  the  National  Government,  as 
indicated  by  this  camp  of  instruction,  and  for  its  effort  to  bring  in  closer  contact  the 
Regular  Army  and  National  Guard  forces;  and  we  trust  that  these  joint  maneuvers 
may  be  continued  annually. 

Fifth — That  these  resolutions  be  engrossed,  one  copy  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Honor- 
able Secretary  of  War,  one  to  Major  General  John  C.  Bates,  U.  S.  Army,  and  one  to 
Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  Army. 

To  First  Lieutenant  Van  Leer  Wills,  Twelfth  Infantry,  A.  D.  C.,  in 
whose  charge  the  visiting  National  Guard  officers  were  committed,  I 
wish  to  express  my  thanks  for  numerous  courtesies  extended. 

MISCELLANEOUS  OBSERVATIONS. 

That  infantry  intrenched  can  not  be  dislodged  by  less  than  tenfold 
numbers. 

That  trenches  should  not  have  loose  stones  in  the  embankments,  as  a 
shell  will  scatter  the  stones,  thus  adding  to  its  destructive  force. 

That  all  officers  should  be  skilled  in  hasty  intrenchments. 

That  all  officers  should  carry  the  best  field  glasses,  with  a  strap 
attached  to  the  glass,  so  that  it  can  not  be  dropped  easily. 

That  the  sword  is  of  no  practical  value  to  an  officer,  and  when  worn 
the  scabbard  should  be  of  dark,  non-reflecting  metal. 

That  all  officers  transmitting  orders  on  the  field  should,  if  possible, 
write  them  and  carry  pad  and  pencil  for  the  purpose. 

That  at  least  eighteen  mounted  orderlies  should  be  assigned  to  each 
regiment. 

(This  question  was  generally  debated  in  one  of  the  meetings,  but 
where  to  get  them  from  was  not  determined  upon.) 

That  extended  order  should  be  the  formation  after  the  scouts  are 
driven  in. 

That  Cossack  posts  are  considered  the  most  practicable. 

That  marksmanship  in  the  individual  soldier  is  more  necessary  than 
ever. 

In  the  matter  of  music  at  "  retreat "  it  may  be  of  interest  to  note  that 
the  Star-Spangled  Banner  was  played  as  follows:  eight  bars  and  repeat 
and  sixteen  bars  to  the  finish. 

The  sink  is  the  first  work  undertaken  when  a  command  reaches  camp, 
and  is  properly  ditched  so  as  to  prevent  its  filling  with  water. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

As  a  result  of  my  observations,  in  order  to  gain  all  the  practical 
knowledge  and  experience  possible  at  future  manuevers,  I  would  respect- 
fully recommend: 

That  a  National  Guard  officer  from  each  arm  of  the  service  be  detailed 
to  a  similar  arm  of  the  Regular  Army,  participating  in  the  maneuvers; 


50  MANEUVER    DIVISION,   CAMP    ROOT,    FORT   RILEY. 

if  possible  to  stay  with  it  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  encamp- 
ment, so  as  to  familiarize  himself  with  its  work  in  field  and  camp. 

Likewise  one  officer  should  be  detailed  to  each  staff  department  (if 
permission  can  be  secured),  to  go  through  the  routine  work,  and  thor- 
oughly master  the  "  paper  work."  Each  of  these  officers  to  make  a 
report  in  writing  upon  his  return  to  the  senior  officer  of  the  detail,  who 
will  consolidate  said  reports  and  forward  them  with  any  report  he  may 
see  fit  to  make  to  the  Adjutant  General. 

These  officers  should  act  in  the  capacity  of  instructors  to  disseminate 
the  knowledge  and  experience  thus  gained,  through  their  respective 
organizations,  by  such  means  as  may  be  most  practicable  upon  their 
return. 

I  wish  to  take  this  opportunity  of  expressing  my  appreciation  for  the 
many  courtesies  extended  to  me  by  Major  General  John  C.  Bates  and 
staff  during  my  tour  of  duty  at  Camp  Root,  Fort  Riley,  Kansas. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Very  respectfully, 

37  exhibits.*  J.  H.  DOCKWEILER, 

Major  and  Engineer  Officer  First  Brigade,  N.  G.  C. 

*  NOTE.— Owing  to  insufficient  funds,  it  was  impossible  to  publish  all  the  various 
exhibits  and  photographs  submitted  with  the  report. 


